I read a quote recently (I think originally by a philosopher named Alan Watts) and thought appropriate to share:
‘The ironic thing about life is that you are a different person to every person you meet. To some you are quiet, others you never stop talking. Some remember you for your kindness, others for the time you walked away. You are the villain in someone’s story, a hero in another’s and to most, you’re just a passing thought, a name or face they once knew. You don't exist as one person but as countless versions of yourself shaped by fleeting moments and personal perceptions. And here’s what’s unsettling, you will never truly know yourself the way that others do. You will never hear your own laugh the way that someone else does. You will never see the way your abscence lingers in a room you used to fill. To yourself, you are just you. But in reality, you are a thousand different stories, none of which you will ever get to read.’
I hope you and Mitch find solace in the fact that your true selves are not defined by public opinion or comments. As you’ve both said, sexuality is only one slice of who he is. Yes it has a huge impact by sharing that one small slice, but for many of us we know that doesn’t define him or you.
Thank you to you both for sharing and being vulnerable.
I’m a bisexual man. When I came out to my ex girlfriend she adopted a position where she would tolerate it but not accepted. We were strongly in love, but that changed everything for us. Silence became our method. She wouldn’t accept that she was extremely worried about what could happen to our relationship, and I was so scared that she would think I was with her just to cover up my sexuality. We stayed together 5 more years… we even got married… but the problem was never spoken, so never solved. We got separated way 3 years ago. I cannot help comparing your story to ours and feeling sad about not having such open communication and understanding as I think you guys had.
What you’ve done together is change the face of Australia forever, not just AFL. Well done for your bravery and for saving lives of some of the most vulnerable people.
Thank you both for everything. I hope the story you and Mitch have shared is the courage more players (both past, current, and future) need to come forward and make this sport a much more inclusive environment. You are amazing trailblazers.
Also huge shout out to Mitch for his statement heralding the AFLW for how it is leading the way with inclusivity. You're both amazing people and it is a privelidge to be allowed to hear a small portion of your stories.
i’m in awe of the courage as a couple/family unit you’ve shown. i’d find it interesting to read about where your courage stems from - obviously it comes from a desire to make the world a better place but actually acting on this in a meaningful way is hard, does art/community/a particular role model influence your approach? i guess my curiosity is driven by the desire to show even a fraction of the character you’ve demonstrated over the last couple weeks in my daily life. much love, and please keep writing.
I have been thinking about this question since you commented - thank you for asking it. I didn't have anything instantly come to mind, but my adult life has been spent working in social impact, mostly with young people, and mostly with people who have stepped drastically out of their comfort zone and beyond their situation to carve out a better life. So I am inspired by the people I have met and worked with and learned from over the past 15 years. And also art, and books, and stories in general. And also - I am inspired by Mitch every day.
Thanks for sharing your story ♥️ I will forever be grateful that Mitch decided to share his. It's opened up the conversation in a beautiful way, both with friends and family but also in workplaces and I will forever be grateful to you both ♥️ stand tall and be proud ♥️
Thank you for sharing your story, thoughts and experience with us all. I love the above Alan Watts quote and I couldn’t feel more aligned.
Both you and Mitch have honestly shifted things so powerfully for culture in Australia that is so heavily influenced by the AFL. If this is just one blip in time, I know, I will remember it as an important blip because as a queer man who played footy, I could not feel more seen, empowered and inspired to know there are courageous folks out there taking shots for the benefit of others like you.
Thank you both for being the change we need to see 😘
Thanks for supporting your boyfriend in coming out. For each man who comes out as bi it gets easier and easier until it becomes a non-issue. When I was in the dating world I was terrified of admitting I was bi to women. I remember many instances of being teased about being gay. I wish I had had more courage, and said "Yes, being gay would be a wonderful thing."
BTW: Did you know about this before you started dating?
Congrats on owning your truths and not allowing others to interfere with the paths you both want to take! I was the founding board chairman of Athlete Ally for 6 years. It strives to make sports more welcoming and inclusive of lgbtq athletes and was founded by a straight ally. Check out athletically.org,for more info.
I read a quote recently (I think originally by a philosopher named Alan Watts) and thought appropriate to share:
‘The ironic thing about life is that you are a different person to every person you meet. To some you are quiet, others you never stop talking. Some remember you for your kindness, others for the time you walked away. You are the villain in someone’s story, a hero in another’s and to most, you’re just a passing thought, a name or face they once knew. You don't exist as one person but as countless versions of yourself shaped by fleeting moments and personal perceptions. And here’s what’s unsettling, you will never truly know yourself the way that others do. You will never hear your own laugh the way that someone else does. You will never see the way your abscence lingers in a room you used to fill. To yourself, you are just you. But in reality, you are a thousand different stories, none of which you will ever get to read.’
I hope you and Mitch find solace in the fact that your true selves are not defined by public opinion or comments. As you’ve both said, sexuality is only one slice of who he is. Yes it has a huge impact by sharing that one small slice, but for many of us we know that doesn’t define him or you.
Thank you to you both for sharing and being vulnerable.
Thank you for sharing. I couldn’t love or relate to this more ❤️
Thank you for your words, and: Happy Bi Visibility Month!
I’m a bisexual man. When I came out to my ex girlfriend she adopted a position where she would tolerate it but not accepted. We were strongly in love, but that changed everything for us. Silence became our method. She wouldn’t accept that she was extremely worried about what could happen to our relationship, and I was so scared that she would think I was with her just to cover up my sexuality. We stayed together 5 more years… we even got married… but the problem was never spoken, so never solved. We got separated way 3 years ago. I cannot help comparing your story to ours and feeling sad about not having such open communication and understanding as I think you guys had.
My best wishes to you both 🤍
What you’ve done together is change the face of Australia forever, not just AFL. Well done for your bravery and for saving lives of some of the most vulnerable people.
Thank you both for everything. I hope the story you and Mitch have shared is the courage more players (both past, current, and future) need to come forward and make this sport a much more inclusive environment. You are amazing trailblazers.
Also huge shout out to Mitch for his statement heralding the AFLW for how it is leading the way with inclusivity. You're both amazing people and it is a privelidge to be allowed to hear a small portion of your stories.
i’m in awe of the courage as a couple/family unit you’ve shown. i’d find it interesting to read about where your courage stems from - obviously it comes from a desire to make the world a better place but actually acting on this in a meaningful way is hard, does art/community/a particular role model influence your approach? i guess my curiosity is driven by the desire to show even a fraction of the character you’ve demonstrated over the last couple weeks in my daily life. much love, and please keep writing.
I have been thinking about this question since you commented - thank you for asking it. I didn't have anything instantly come to mind, but my adult life has been spent working in social impact, mostly with young people, and mostly with people who have stepped drastically out of their comfort zone and beyond their situation to carve out a better life. So I am inspired by the people I have met and worked with and learned from over the past 15 years. And also art, and books, and stories in general. And also - I am inspired by Mitch every day.
beautifully written, lou!
So good Lou. Proud of you & your love & your life!
Thanks for sharing your story ♥️ I will forever be grateful that Mitch decided to share his. It's opened up the conversation in a beautiful way, both with friends and family but also in workplaces and I will forever be grateful to you both ♥️ stand tall and be proud ♥️
Thank you for sharing your story, thoughts and experience with us all. I love the above Alan Watts quote and I couldn’t feel more aligned.
Both you and Mitch have honestly shifted things so powerfully for culture in Australia that is so heavily influenced by the AFL. If this is just one blip in time, I know, I will remember it as an important blip because as a queer man who played footy, I could not feel more seen, empowered and inspired to know there are courageous folks out there taking shots for the benefit of others like you.
Thank you both for being the change we need to see 😘
So moved by Mitch’s actions and loved your words Lou. Looking forward to reading more 🙌
This is beautiful, thank you for sharing with us. ♥️
Thanks for supporting your boyfriend in coming out. For each man who comes out as bi it gets easier and easier until it becomes a non-issue. When I was in the dating world I was terrified of admitting I was bi to women. I remember many instances of being teased about being gay. I wish I had had more courage, and said "Yes, being gay would be a wonderful thing."
BTW: Did you know about this before you started dating?
Congrats on owning your truths and not allowing others to interfere with the paths you both want to take! I was the founding board chairman of Athlete Ally for 6 years. It strives to make sports more welcoming and inclusive of lgbtq athletes and was founded by a straight ally. Check out athletically.org,for more info.
This is beautiful, thank you for sharing with us. ♥️
This is beautiful, thank you for sharing with us. ♥️