AFL's First Openly Bisexual Player Mitch Brown Announces Pregnancy with Partner Louisa Keck
Mitch Brown, who made history as the first openly bisexual player in the Australian Football League, and his partner Louisa Keck have shared exciting news: they are expecting a child together. The couple announced the pregnancy via a joint Instagram post on Monday night, revealing that the baby is due in October 2026.
Family Dynamics and Support from Ex-Wife Shae Bolton-Brown
Brown already co-parents two children, Bowie and Rudy, with his ex-wife Shae Bolton-Brown, a former Australian netball player. Bolton-Brown has been publicly supportive of Brown, especially after he came out as bisexual last year, becoming the first current or former AFL player to do so. In a heartfelt post from September, she expressed pride in his journey, stating, "My bisexual ex-husband and co-parent made AFL history and I couldn’t be prouder."
The pair maintain a close friendship, having recently attended Mardi Gras together last month. Bolton-Brown even commented on Brown's recent birthday post for Keck, writing, "Behind every great man .... ❤️?" This shows the strong, amicable relationship they share as co-parents.
Brown's Heartfelt Tribute to Keck
In a touching Instagram post on Sunday, Brown celebrated Keck's birthday, expressing deep gratitude and love. He wrote, "Happy birthday my love. It’s your day. I can’t begin to describe what you mean to me and the things you’ve helped me to see about the world and about myself. The last six months have been a wild ride for both of us, people don’t get to see the moments that mean the most, the ones behind the scenes when it’s just us. I never could have done this without you, you are the real MVP. You’re a special thing in all of our lives, especially Bowie and Rudy’s. Looking forward to what is to come. Love always, Mitch."
Broader Context: Progress in AFL Diversity
This announcement comes amid a period of increasing visibility for LGBTQ+ individuals in the AFL. Just last week, former Brisbane Lions player Leigh Ryswyk became the first openly gay man in AFL history to come out. Brown praised Ryswyk's courage in a statement, saying, "Tonight, Leigh Ryswyk became the first openly gay AFL men’s player - past or present. My deepest respect and congratulations to Leigh for sharing this part of himself with the world tonight. What an absolute legend! It takes real courage to step forward and choose to live openly and honestly, especially when you come from environments that haven’t always made that easy. This is what bravery looks like."
Brown emphasized the importance of such milestones for the sport and community, noting, "Every time someone is brave enough to speak their truth, it creates a shift. It challenges our idea of who a footballer is supposed to be. It makes the game more honest, more human, and more reflective of the communities that love it. There will be young players and kids hearing Leigh’s story who feel a little less alone because of it. That matters more than anything."
Brown's AFL Career and Personal Reflections
Mitch Brown played 94 games for the West Coast Eagles between 2007 and 2016, after being selected with pick No. 16 in the 2006 draft. Reflecting on his role as a father, he added, "As a dad, this is particularly special for me. To show your kids that you can be yourself, love who you love, and still belong to the game you care about — that you don’t have to choose. Leigh’s kids are so lucky to have a role model like him."
The pregnancy announcement marks a new chapter for Brown and Keck, highlighting personal joy alongside ongoing advocacy for diversity and inclusion in Australian sports.
