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” ... “Why are you here?” ... “Stop breathing.”
After announcing he was gay in 2021, footballer the athlete has faced constant threats and hateful comments on online platforms.
“Upon reading those comments, I was devastated,” the player states. “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 face criticism due to my identity. It's disgusting.”
Player the sportsman was playing for Adelaide United back in 2020 when he became the only openly gay top-flight male professional footballer in the world.
This summer he departed from Australia to join non-league Peterborough Sports, who compete before audiences of about 400 in National League North, the sixth tier of the English soccer system.
This young athlete balances his sports career for the Cambridgeshire part-timers by advocating for LGBTQ+ issues and using his profile - boasting over a million followers on social media - to promote fairness and inclusion.
“Definitely, we've got mountains to do,” the footballer comments when questioned about ongoing issues with homophobia.
“Rarely a week passes without encountering problems.”
‘Individuals wish to hurt 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 October 27th, 2021.
“My only desire is compete in soccer and be treated equally,” he stated in an related clip.
The player was 21 and building his reputation at Adelaide United in the premier division when, backed by his colleagues, he publicly came out.
“The future was uncertain. I didn't know what to expect,” he says. “The moment seemed appropriate in my life. I needed to move forward.”
The heartfelt revelation clip, entitled ‘His Personal Story’, went viral on social media.
“My phone was flooded with encouraging words. The response was incredible.”
Liverpool were one of many high-profile clubs around the world to show solidarity with the player, with the coach at the time the German manager saying: “I'm really thankful that he took this step because now we talk again.”
Spanish player the athlete also offered support, writing on social media that “the world of football is far behind and you are helping us move forward”, while Adelaide United released a comment backing their “extraordinary” and “courageous” player.
Some people, however, were less welcoming.
Cavallo quickly became a subject to homophobic abuse by rival supporters.
During early 2022 Melbourne Victory were fined A$5,000 over discriminatory chants from spectators aimed toward Cavallo during a match.
“The comments I encountered were hurtful and derogatory towards my community,” he says.
“I didn't react because responding would encourage detractors.”
A scary event occurred at a petrol station in Australia, where the athlete was assaulted by someone who recognised him from the media attention.
“That was a scary moment,” he recalls. “I remember thinking ‘this is happening - individuals intend to hurt me’.
“Should this be tolerated? Definitely not. But through my disclosure, these are the consequences.
“My wish is that future individuals who reveals their orientation while competing in soccer at a professional standard doesn't have to experience the path I have experienced.”
The player says the constant menacing messages and hostile communications have affected his psychological well-being.
“It's disappointing because I am having to explain why I belong on the football field for being who I am,” he says.
“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 sometimes when I lean on my fiance, Leighton, and he witnesses a lot that happens privately.”
‘Top-tier athlete revealing orientation would create waves’
The player's choice to disclose his orientation helped prompt 17-year-old attacking player Jake Daniels to come out as the Britain's sole publicly out playing soccer professional in spring 2022.
Nevertheless, there are zero publicly LGBTQ athletes in the top English division.
“It would create massive change,” comments the footballer on the impact a Premier League player coming out would make.
“But I'm not going to sugar-coat it. Numerous frightening aspects that would await this individual. In the world of football, being an openly gay player is a highly hostile environment.”
Over two decades after Justin Fashanu - Britain's first openly gay male footballer - took his own life in 1998, Cavallo has discussed the “harmful male culture” that still exists in men's football.
“You just need to go to a game and observe the hostile environment and masculinity that the crowd brings,” he says.
“Much remains to be done to make sure there is a secure environment in football for individuals like me and Jake.
“Progress has been limited (more players coming out) as much as we would like.
“I can only keep pushing for principles I believe in, and strive for taking out the harmful male norms in soccer locker rooms and establishing secure environments.”
‘I'm here to create change’
The athlete was awarded an honorary degree from Flinders University in his former city in 2022, recognising his contributions as a inspirational figure in sport and a champion for equality
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 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 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 the athlete.
“I receive communications [from people living in these countries] saying ‘I'm about to be put in prison for being who I am - is assistance possible?’.
“It's devastating that people are getting locked up for being who they are.
“Certain nations that are huge in terms of football and they reject the queer community. Those are the countries that tend to target me.”
Nevertheless, Cavallo says he won't cease advocating.
“Football has enabled dialogue in the locker room. It has allowed me to speak and inform individuals 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 mission is to drive progress. That's what I'm here for.”
