Being Gay in Professional Soccer: An Unwelcoming Atmosphere
“We've got mountains to do” - Cavallo on homophobia in football
“You shouldn't exist” ... “Why are you here?” ... “Don't take another breath.”
After announcing he was gay in 2021, player the athlete has faced constant threats and hateful comments on online platforms.
“When I first saw these messages, it broke my heart,” the player states. “No-one wants to read things like that.
“I'm trying to get better as a player and reach my full potential on the pitch, and then face criticism due to my identity. It's disgusting.”
Player Cavallo was playing for Adelaide United back in 2020 when he became the only openly gay elite soccer player in the world.
This summer he left Australia to sign with non-league Peterborough Sports, who compete before audiences of about 400 in National League North, one level below of the English soccer system.
This young athlete balances his sports career for the semi-professional team by speaking up on LGBTQ+ issues and using his profile - boasting over a million followers on social media - to champion equality and inclusion.
“Absolutely, there's enormous work ahead,” Cavallo says when asked if football still has a problem with discrimination.
“I don't go more than a week without hearing about an issue.”
‘People want to harm me’
The player was raised in Melbourne
Several years passed for the athlete to build up the bravery to say “I'm gay” before revealing his sexuality on 27 October 2021.
“My only desire is play football and receive fair treatment,” he said in an accompanying video.
Cavallo was twenty-one and making a name for himself at his Australian club in the premier division when, backed by his colleagues, he announced his orientation publicly.
“The future was uncertain. I had no expectations,” he says. “The moment seemed appropriate in my life. I needed to move forward.”
The heartfelt revelation clip, titled ‘Josh's Truth’, gained massive attention on digital platforms.
“My mobile phone exploded with messages of support. The response was incredible.”
Liverpool were among numerous famous teams around the world to show solidarity with Cavallo, with the coach at the time the German manager saying: “I'm really thankful that he did it because it sparks conversation.”
Spanish player the athlete also expressed backing, posting online that “soccer culture is far behind and you are helping us move forward”, while Adelaide United issued a statement supporting their “remarkable” and “courageous” player.
Some people, however, were not so accepting.
The footballer quickly became a subject to homophobic abuse by opposition fans.
In January 2022 Melbourne Victory were fined five thousand dollars over anti-gay abuse from spectators aimed toward the player during a game.
“The things I'd hear were hurtful and disparaging towards LGBTQ people,” he explains.
“I didn't react because I knew that would only feed the haters.”
There was a frightening incident at a gas station in Australia, where Cavallo was assaulted by someone who recognised him from the media attention.
“It was terrifying,” he remembers. “The thought crossed my mind ‘this is happening - individuals intend to hurt me’.
“Should this be tolerated? Absolutely not. But through my disclosure, this is what it brings.
“I hope that future individuals who comes out while competing in soccer at a professional standard doesn't have to experience the path I have experienced.”
The player says the daily death threats and abusive messages have affected his psychological well-being.
“It's quite sad because I must justify why I deserve a place on the football field for being who I am,” he states.
“Heterosexual players aren't questioned and ask ‘what gives you the right in football?’.
“A lot of people see me as a cheerful, positive person. But there are days when I lean on my fiance, Leighton, and he witnesses a lot that happens privately.”
‘Top-tier athlete revealing orientation would create waves’
Cavallo's decision to reveal his sexuality helped inspire 17-year-old Blackpool forward Jake Daniels to announce he was gay as the UK's only openly gay playing soccer professional in May 2022.
Nevertheless, there are zero publicly LGBTQ athletes in the top English division.
“It would create massive change,” comments 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. In the world of football, identifying as LGBTQ is a very toxic place.”
Twenty-seven years after a pioneering player - the UK's initial out soccer professional - took his own life in 1998, Cavallo has discussed the “toxic masculinity” that persists in men's football.
“You just need to go to a game and see the hostile environment and masculinity that the audience creates,” he says.
“There is still a lot of work to ensure there is a secure environment in football for people like myself and Jake.
“We haven't seen it (more players coming out) as much as we would like.
“I can only keep pushing 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, recognising his contributions as a role model in sport and a advocate for fairness
Cavallo says soccer has enabled discussions inside dressing rooms about coming out.
However, he is disapproving toward Fifa, after the Middle Eastern nation, where homosexual partnerships are against the law, staged the global tournament in 2022.
The 2034 tournament is scheduled in Saudi Arabia, where same-sex attraction is also illegal.
“Do I approve that the global championship is in nations that criminalise same-sex marriages, where individuals like myself will be put in prison for just existing on their territory? It's frightening,” states Cavallo.
“I receive communications [from residents of such nations] saying ‘I'm about to be put in prison for my identity - is assistance possible?’.
“It's devastating that individuals are incarcerated for their true selves.
“Certain nations that are significant soccer markets and they don't accept the queer community. These places that often focus on 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 inform individuals who want to learn more.
“Some will disapprove for your identity. But I've discovered support. I've connected with similar people.
“My purpose is to drive progress. That's my objective.”
