From the desk of Roland Rocchiccioli

A VISITING Martian could be forgiven for supposing the continuum of the earthling civilisation is dependent on knowing whether, or not, there is a homosexual/bisexual AFL player. The heterosexual obsession with same sex attraction is unhealthy – profoundly troubling.

The former West Coast Eagles’ Mitchell (Mitch) Brown’s affirmation of his bisexuality is laudable; however, anyone listening to his interview with The Daily Aus could not help but be disquieted by his journey; despairing of the ignorance of some team members; and disquieted by the AFL’s unhealthy culture of hyper-toxic masculinity; however, sexuality is only one small part of any person.

It would be cavalier to summarily dismiss the significance of Mr. Brown’s bisexual acknowledgement. The magnitude of the disclosure is self-evident; nevertheless, the surrounding pandemonium borders on fixation – possibly hysteria. Some reportage reeks of unmitigated glee after 149-years of inexorable conjecture: “Who will be the first?” There are more serious elements at play than mere sexuality.

Indubitably, the quality of our lives is determined by the quality of our thinking. The significance of Mr. Brown’s story is cause for collective remorse; a moment to reflect on the prejudice, bigotry, homophobia, and mean-spiritedness which sullies our lives. While we may not always remember exactly what was said, we do remember, with clarity, how we were made to feel. Unequivocally, the wound of the sword heals, but not so the cut of the word; and no surfeit of contrition – however pious, will erase its scar. Like other physical contact sports, the AFL is characteristically masculine. It is hoped those of Mr. Brown’s erstwhile teammates who wrought devastating emotional pain and suffering might find cause to reflect on their narrow-mindedness, and to ruminate on their pejorative language which contributed to the premature ending of a successful career.

Bisexuality is more contentious. Theoretically it is the more challenging sexual anomaly and is less collectively embraced; less empathised. Considered inherently confused, sometimes bisexuals find themselves ostracised by both the heterosexual and homosexual communities. Consequently, controlling the significant emotional and mental exhaustion emanating from the sometimes hostile rejection is challenging. It has the potential to culminate in suicide. Seemingly, for a minority of AFL players the existence of homosexuality remains anathema. Two former AFL superstars agreed: “Absolutely, 100%, there are gays and bisexuals playing in the AFL.” For reasons obvious they choose to remain stumm! I posit, unequivocally, Mitch Brown is not the first, nor will he be the last, bisexual/homosexual player in the AFL. Categorically, I know from experience. During my ten-year-tenure with the AFL Footy Show there were a number of ‘highly sexualised’ conversations and unambiguous telephone calls which, had they been pursued, might have developed into “who knows what”. It seemed prudent to deflect the attention.

Despite an irrational resolve to stridently reject the overwhelming mathematical balance of probability, the aggregate is decidedly weighted in favour of homosexuals/bisexuals being regular, practicing members of all faiths, regardless of devotion to the ancient scriptures – the accuracy of which is arguable. It remains a puzzlement how hateful religious teachings can be disseminated with impunity as a “universal truth”.

The AFL is a formidable platform. It has the wherewithal to “shift the focus” and change the ethos! “There is a tide in the affairs of men”… this is their moment!

Roland can be heard with Brett Macdonald radio 3BA — Monday 10.40am. Contact: [email protected]