Identifying as LGBTQ+ in Professional Soccer: An Unwelcoming Atmosphere
“We've got mountains to do” - Cavallo on anti-gay prejudice in football
“You shouldn't exist” ... “What are you doing here?” ... “Don't take another breath.”
After announcing his homosexuality in 2021, footballer the athlete has faced constant threats and hateful comments on social media.
“Upon reading those comments, I was devastated,” the player explains. “Nobody should have to endure such words.
“I'm working to improve my skills and be the best I can be during matches, and then get put down because of who I am. It's appalling.”
Midfielder Cavallo was at Adelaide United four years ago when he emerged as the sole publicly out elite soccer player in the world.
This summer he departed from Australia to sign with lower-tier club Peterborough Sports, who play in front of crowds of about 400 in the sixth division, one level below of English football.
The 25-year-old balances his sports career for the Cambridgeshire part-timers by speaking up on LGBTQ+ issues and leveraging his platform - boasting over a million followers on social media - to champion equality and acceptance.
“Definitely, we've got mountains to do,” the footballer says when questioned about ongoing issues with homophobia.
“Rarely a week passes without hearing about an issue.”
‘Individuals wish to hurt me’
Josh Cavallo grew up in Melbourne
It took years for the athlete to work up the courage to say “I'm gay” before revealing his sexuality on 27 October 2021.
“All I want to do is compete in soccer and receive fair treatment,” he stated in an related clip.
Cavallo was twenty-one and making a name for himself at his Australian club in the premier division when, backed by his colleagues, he publicly came out.
“I didn't know what was ahead. I didn't know what to expect,” he says. “The moment seemed appropriate in my life. I wanted to take the next step.”
The heartfelt revelation clip, entitled ‘His Personal Story’, gained massive attention on digital platforms.
“My mobile phone exploded with messages of support. It was overwhelming.”
Liverpool were among numerous famous teams around the world to express support for Cavallo, with the coach at the time the German manager saying: “I'm really thankful that he took this step because it sparks conversation.”
Spanish player the athlete also expressed backing, posting online that “the world of football is lagging behind and your actions drive progress”, while his former club released a comment backing their “extraordinary” and “brave” player.
Others, however, were less welcoming.
The footballer soon turned into a target of homophobic abuse by rival supporters.
In January 2022 Melbourne Victory were penalized A$5,000 over discriminatory chants from fans aimed toward Cavallo during a match.
“The comments I encountered were painful and derogatory towards my community,” he explains.
“I didn't react because I knew that would only feed the haters.”
A scary event occurred at a gas station in Australia, where Cavallo was assaulted by an individual who identified him from the coverage.
“That was a scary moment,” he remembers. “The thought crossed my mind ‘this is happening - people want to harm me’.
“Should this be tolerated? Definitely not. But by coming out, these are the consequences.
“I hope that the next person who comes out while competing in soccer at a high level won't face the path I have endured.”
Cavallo says the constant menacing messages and abusive messages have affected his mental health.
“It's quite sad because I must justify why I belong on the soccer pitch for being who I am,” he says.
“We don't sit straight people down and ask ‘what gives you the right in football?’.
“Many individuals see me as a smiling, positive person. But there are days when I rely on my partner, his name, and he witnesses a lot that happens privately.”
‘Premier League player coming out would move mountains’
Cavallo's decision to disclose his orientation helped prompt 17-year-old Blackpool forward Jake Daniels to come out as the Britain's sole publicly out active male professional footballer in May 2022.
However, there are zero publicly LGBTQ athletes in the top English division.
“It would move mountains,” says the footballer on the effect a elite athlete coming out would have.
“But I must be honest. Numerous frightening aspects that would await this individual. Within soccer culture, identifying as LGBTQ is a highly hostile environment.”
Over two decades after Justin Fashanu - Britain's first openly gay male footballer - died by suicide in 1998, the current athlete has spoken about the “harmful male culture” that persists in men's football.
“You just need to go to a match and observe the hostile environment and male-dominated culture that the audience creates,” he says.
“There is still a lot of work to make sure there is a safe space in football for people like myself and Jake.
“We haven't seen it (additional athletes revealing their orientation) as much as we would like.
“My role is to continue advocating for principles I believe in, and work towards eliminating the harmful male norms in football changing rooms and creating a safe space.”
‘My mission is to drive progress’
Cavallo received an honorary doctorate from Flinders University in his former city in 2022, honoring his efforts as a inspirational figure in athletics and a advocate for fairness
Cavallo says soccer has enabled discussions inside dressing rooms about revealing one's orientation.
However, he is disapproving toward soccer's global governing body, after Qatar, where same-sex relationships are illegal, hosted the men's World Cup in 2022.
The 2034 tournament is scheduled in another Gulf state, where homosexuality is also illegal.
“Do I approve that the World Cup is in nations that criminalise same-sex marriages, where individuals like myself will be put in prison for merely living on that land? It's frightening,” says Cavallo.
“I get messages [from people living in these countries] saying ‘I'm about to be put in prison for being who I am - can you help me?’.
“It breaks my heart that people are getting locked up for their true selves.
“There are countries that are significant soccer markets and they reject LGBTQ+ people. These places that tend to target me.”
Despite this, Cavallo says he will not stop speaking up.
“Soccer has allowed me to start conversations in the changing room. It lets me communicate and educate people who want to learn more.
“Not everyone is going to like you for your identity. But I've discovered support. I have found my community.
“My purpose is to drive progress. That's what I'm here for.”