Mitch Brown Backs Victoria’s Inquiry Into Hate Crimes Against Gay and Bi+ Men
Former AFL player and DNA #311 cover model Mitch Brown has backed a new parliamentary inquiry into anti-LGBTQIA+ hate crimes in Victoria. In an Instagram reel posted on 19 February, the first openly bisexual male player in the Australian Football League’s (AFL) 129-year history called the announcement personal.
“These crimes are despicable and hit home for me personally, as I know they do for so many in the community,” Brown said. “When people ask why we need pride, or say movements for inclusion and safety have gone too far, this is what we are fighting for.”
He continued: “A safe community where people can show up as who they are and love who they want to love is a stronger community, and we all have a part to play in that.”
What the inquiry will examine
The Victorian Greens established the inquiry on 18 February 2026. It will be conducted by the Legal and Social Issues Committee, with a report due on 1 September 2026.
Victorian Greens equality spokesperson Aiv Puglielli said gay and bi+ men were being lured through fake dating profiles and violently attacked. The inquiry will look at how anti-LGBTQIA+ influencers and hate groups operate online, including far-right and homophobic “alpha-male” content.
Targeted attacks linked to dating apps
The inquiry follows a series of assaults across Victoria. In May 2025, Victoria Police confirmed 35 arrests in eight months linked to dating app attacks. The alleged offenders were aged between 13 and 20. They allegedly filmed victims before assaulting and robbing them.
During the sentencing of a 19-year-old in June 2025, the court heard he was inspired by TikTok videos. Victoria has since introduced a “post and boast” law imposing extra jail time on criminals who share footage of their offences on social media.
Community voices
The response under Brown’s post was blunt. One commenter thanked him for speaking up, calling it “disgusting that this happens”. Another wrote, “This has been going on for decades.” One of the hardest comments came from a person who said: “I’ve been hate crimed, catfished and put in these situations before.”
Underreporting remains a concern
Victoria Police LGBTIQA+ Community Portfolio Manager Jeremy Oliver has acknowledged the reported numbers do not reflect the real scale. At a community forum at The Laird in Melbourne in June 2025, several attendees came forward as victims who had never reported.
“I know there are people in the community who, for a whole bunch of different reasons, don’t feel comfortable reporting this,” Oliver said.
Anyone affected can contact Victoria Police, an LGBTIQA+ Liaison Officer, or report anonymously through Crimestoppers.
View Mitch Brown’s full reel on Instagram below:
