Lou Keck and Mitch Brown, AFL’s first openly bisexual player, have launched an independent survey to better understand the experiences of LGBTQIA+ people who follow, once followed or have an interest in the AFL men’s competition.
“Footy is for everyone, but does everyone actually feel like they belong?” Mitch and Lou said, sharing the launch of the AFLM LGBTQIA+ fan experience survey.
At the start of September, Mitch shared the idea for the survey on his socials. Since coming out publicly over a year ago, he is often asked what it is like being a queer AFL supporter.
But through both his Lou’s advocacy, they wanted to do more than reflect their own stories.
“It’s really important in our advocacy that we are reflecting a broad variety of different people’s experiences,” they said, “So we’ve put together a survey to hopefully get a better picture of what it’s like to be a queer AFL men’s supporter in 2026.”
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“This is just something we put together. It’s completely anonymous, it’s independent, and it takes about 10 minutes to fill out. It’s just an opportunity for you to have your say.”
“The questions are really around what the AFL and individual clubs can be doing more of to make their queer fans feel more supported and more included, and also how the media can improve as well. Really, we just want to make football a safer place for everyone.”
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Are you a supporter with something to share?
Lou and Mitch want to hear from you about what creates belonging at the AFL.
Also, what causes harm and what the AFLM, clubs, players, media and supporters can do to make football safer and more inclusive.
You must be 18 or older to participate in the survey, identify as LGBTQIA+, and follow, previously have followed, or have an interest in the men’s AFL.
Participation is voluntary and anonymous. Depending on the number of responses received, the findings could be shared further. Potentially with the AFL, clubs, media outlets, or other interested organisations.
The purpose of the AFLM LGBTQIA+ fan experience survey is to help make AFLM spaces safer, more inclusive, and more welcoming.
Image: Sydney Swans AFLLou and Mitch are starting this simply and transparently, hoping to build the survey’s reach, partnerships and research capability in the future. They have worked with Pride Cup to make sure the survey is accessible for all and have recieved hundreds of submissions in less than 24 hours.
Some survey questions ask about discrimination, exclusion and experiences that may feel personal or upsetting. While filling out the survey, you can skip these questions, take a break or leave the survey at any time.
Only share what you feel comfortable sharing and do not name private individuals.
We all have a part to play in changing AFL culture
Aussie Rules Football has been a part of Australian culture for over a decade, and so has the culture that has formed from it.
It’s easy to blame a player or a club when things go wrong. But the business of AFL is a mammoth machine, and cultural change can only happen through working together.
That is why continuing to talk about toxic culture and actions is so important, and not just shouting them down. Over the past year, with former players Mitch and Leigh Ryswyk coming out, the problematic culture of AFL has been put under a brighter spotlight than ever before as it has stepped into new territory.
AFLM players have felt more comfortable talking about it and sharing progress that we can’t see beyond the field. Now we can all play a part in helping to shape and shift a more inclusive AFL for us all to be a part of.
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Domestic violence spikes during major sporting events
Data shared by Victoria Police show that there is a 20% spike in domestic violence on Grand Final day and the days surrounding it, specifically violence against women.
Victorian-based family violence service Berry Street recorded more than double the number of calls for help in the week following the AFL Grand Final for the past two years.
This is not, and has never been, acceptable.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic, family or sexual violence, you can contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732. In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).
