Identifying as LGBTQ+ in Professional Soccer: An Unwelcoming Atmosphere
“We've got mountains to do” - the athlete on anti-gay prejudice in football
“You shouldn't exist” ... “Why are you here?” ... “Don't take another breath.”
After announcing his homosexuality in 2021, footballer the athlete has received daily death threats and abusive messages on online platforms.
“Upon reading those comments, I was devastated,” the player states. “Nobody should have to endure such words.
“I'm trying to get better as a player and reach my full potential on the pitch, and then get put down because of who I am. It's disgusting.”
Player Cavallo was playing for Adelaide United back in 2020 when he emerged as the sole publicly out elite soccer player in the world.
Recently he departed from Australia to sign with lower-tier club Peterborough Sports, who compete before audiences of about 400 in National League North, one level below of English football.
This young athlete balances his sports career for the semi-professional team by advocating for inclusion matters and leveraging his platform - he has more than one million followers on Instagram - to champion equality and inclusion.
“Absolutely, we've got mountains to do,” the footballer says when questioned about ongoing issues with discrimination.
“Rarely a week passes without hearing about an issue.”
‘People want to harm me’
Josh Cavallo grew up in Melbourne
Several years passed for the athlete to work up the courage to say “I'm gay” before coming out on 27 October 2021.
“My only desire is compete in soccer and receive fair treatment,” he stated in an accompanying video.
Cavallo was twenty-one and building his reputation at Adelaide United in Australia's top flight when, backed by his colleagues, he announced his orientation publicly.
“I didn't know what was ahead. I didn't know what to expect,” he recalls. “It felt like the right time in my life. I wanted to take the next step.”
The heartfelt revelation clip, entitled ‘His Personal Story’, gained massive attention on social media.
“My mobile phone exploded with encouraging words. It was overwhelming.”
Liverpool were among numerous famous teams around the world to express support for Cavallo, with then manager the German manager saying: “I'm really thankful that he took this step because now we talk again.”
Spanish player Gerard Pique also expressed backing, posting online that “the world of football is far behind and you are helping us move forward”, while Adelaide United released a comment supporting their “extraordinary” and “brave” player.
Some people, however, were not so accepting.
Cavallo quickly became a target of anti-gay remarks by rival supporters.
During early 2022 Melbourne Victory were penalized five thousand dollars over anti-gay abuse from fans directed at Cavallo during a match.
“The things I'd hear were hurtful and disparaging towards LGBTQ people,” he says.
“I remained calm because responding would encourage detractors.”
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 recalls. “I remember thinking ‘this is real - people want to harm me’.
“Is it acceptable? Absolutely not. But by coming out, these are the consequences.
“I hope that the next person who reveals their orientation while competing in soccer at a professional standard won't face the journey I have endured.”
The player says the daily death threats and abusive messages have taken a toll on his psychological well-being.
“It's disappointing because I am having to explain why I deserve a place on the soccer pitch for being who I am,” he states.
“Heterosexual players aren't questioned and ask ‘what gives you the right in football?’.
“Many individuals see me as a cheerful, positive person. But sometimes when I lean on my fiance, his name, and he gets to see much of what occurs privately.”
‘Top-tier athlete revealing orientation would create waves’
Cavallo's decision to reveal his sexuality helped inspire 17-year-old Blackpool forward another athlete to come out as the Britain's sole publicly out active male professional footballer in May 2022.
However, there are no openly gay or bisexual players in the Premier League.
“It would move mountains,” comments Cavallo on the effect a Premier League player revealing their orientation would have.
“But I must be honest. Numerous frightening aspects that would come this person's way. Within soccer culture, identifying as LGBTQ is a very toxic place.”
Over two decades after a pioneering player - Britain's first openly gay male footballer - died by suicide in 1998, the current athlete has discussed the “toxic masculinity” that still exists in men's football.
“You just need to go to a match and see the hostile environment and male-dominated culture that the audience creates,” he explains.
“Much remains to be done to make sure there is a safe space in football for individuals like me and his colleague.
“We haven't seen it (more players coming out) as much as we would like.
“I can only keep pushing for what I think is right, and strive for eliminating the harmful male norms in soccer locker rooms and creating a safe space.”
‘My mission is to drive progress’
Cavallo received an honorary doctorate from an academic institution in his former city in 2022, honoring his efforts as a inspirational figure in sport and a advocate for fairness
Cavallo says football has enabled discussions inside dressing rooms about coming out.
However, he is critical of soccer's global governing body, after the Middle Eastern nation, where homosexual partnerships are illegal, staged the global tournament in 2022.
The 2034 tournament will be held in another Gulf state, where homosexuality is similarly prohibited.
“Do I approve that the World Cup is in countries that criminalise same-sex marriages, where individuals like myself will be imprisoned for merely living on their territory? It's frightening,” says Cavallo.
“I get messages [from people living in these countries] saying ‘I face imprisonment for my identity - is assistance possible?’.
“It's devastating that people are getting locked up for their true selves.
“There are countries that are huge in terms of football and they reject the queer community. Those are the countries that tend to target me.”
Nevertheless, the footballer says he won't cease advocating.
“Football has allowed me to start conversations in the locker room. It has allowed me to speak and educate people who seek understanding.
“Some will disapprove for who you are. But I have found my family. I've connected with similar people.
“My purpose is to drive progress. That's my objective.”