The AFL's first openly bisexual player heralds an opportunity to better support marginalised communities

The AFL's first openly bisexual player heralds an opportunity to better support marginalised communities

Former West Coast player Mitch Brown has become the league’s first openly bisexual man. His disclosure comes in the wake of a scandal surrounding Adelaide’s Izak Rankine who has been suspended over a homophobic slur. As an RMIT restorative justice expert explains, the AFL has an obligation to implement better mechanisms to support marginalised communities.

Renee Handsaker, restorative justice expert, RMIT Centre for Innovative Justice

"Australian football culture is a powerful reflection of the homophobia, racism and sexism that exist in broader Australian society.

"But the AFL can drive much needed societal change. It has an opportunity, and perhaps an obligation, to introduce transformative and beneficial responses to the experience of oppression and violence faced by marginalised communities.

"Despite efforts to enforce codes of conduct, pride rounds, and match bans for homophobic slurs, the measures in place are not effectively fostering an environment where individuals feel safe to express their true selves.

"In my work as a restorative justice facilitator, I am always interested in the context and power relations that exist around an act of violence or vilification.

"An appropriate response by the AFL could centre on meaningful accountability for harmful actions, while also acknowledging systemic and individual experiences of oppression, can guide more compassionate – and more beneficial – outcomes."

Renee Handsaker is the manager of the RMIT Centre for Innovative Justice ‘Open Circle’ restorative justice service and specialises in restorative conferencing, conflict transformation and debriefing following traumatic incidents.

***

General media enquiries: RMIT External Affairs and Media, 0439 704 077 or news@rmit.edu.au

27 August 2025

Share

Return to RMIT News
27 August 2025

Share

Engage

Related News

Geometric building texture.

RMIT keeps rising in world university rankings

RMIT has risen to 239th globally in the latest Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, up from an estimated 266th last year, and now ranks 13th in Australia.

Arial shot of the MCG

Victoria to reap the benefits of an all-interstate AFL Grand Final

For just the second time since the introduction of the Victorian Grand Final eve public holiday in 2015, the AFL’s showpiece match will feature two teams from outside of Victoria.  An RMIT expert explains the economic boost of having two interstate teams contest the Grand Final, and considers the effectiveness of this Friday’s public holiday. 

Airport security

How 9/11 permanently changed air travel

This Friday marks the 25-year anniversary of the September 11 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States that triggered the most significant overhaul of aviation security in modern history. An RMIT expert explains.

NFL football

Expert available to speak on NFL match at the MCG

A sold-out game between NFL's San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams will take place Friday morning at the MCG. An RMIT expert unpacks how the NFL has been successfully marketed in Melbourne and globally.

Show more
aboriginal flag float-starttorres strait flag float-start

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

More information