Identifying as LGBTQ+ in Professional Soccer: An Unwelcoming Atmosphere
“There's still so much to accomplish” - Cavallo on homophobia in soccer
“You don't belong on this earth” ... “Why are you here?” ... “Don't take another breath.”
Since revealing he was gay in 2021, player the athlete has faced constant threats and abusive messages on online platforms.
“Upon reading those comments, it broke my heart,” 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.”
Player Cavallo was at Adelaide United back in 2020 when he emerged as the sole publicly out elite soccer player in the world.
This summer he departed from Australia to sign with non-league Peterborough Sports, who compete before audiences of about 400 in the sixth division, one level below of the English soccer system.
This young athlete balances his sports career for the Cambridgeshire part-timers by speaking up on LGBTQ+ issues and using his profile - boasting over a million followers on social media - to champion equality and acceptance.
“Absolutely, there's enormous work ahead,” the footballer comments when asked if football still has a problem with homophobia.
“I don't go more than a week without encountering problems.”
‘Individuals wish to hurt me’
Josh Cavallo grew up in Melbourne
It took years for Cavallo 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 be treated equally,” he said in an related clip.
Cavallo was twenty-one and making a name for himself at his Australian club 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. “The moment seemed appropriate in my life. I wanted to take the next step.”
The heartfelt revelation clip, entitled ‘Josh's Truth’, went viral on social media.
“My phone was flooded with messages of support. It was overwhelming.”
A prominent club 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 took this step because it sparks conversation.”
Barcelona defender the athlete also offered support, posting online that “soccer culture is far behind and your actions drive progress”, while Adelaide United released a comment supporting their “remarkable” and “brave” player.
Others, however, were less welcoming.
The footballer soon turned into a subject to homophobic abuse by rival supporters.
During early 2022 Melbourne Victory were fined five thousand dollars over discriminatory chants from fans directed at the player during a match.
“The things I'd hear were painful and disparaging towards my community,” he says.
“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 the athlete was assaulted by someone who recognised him from the media attention.
“That was a scary moment,” he remembers. “I remember thinking ‘this is real - individuals intend to hurt me’.
“Should this be tolerated? Absolutely not. But by coming out, these are the consequences.
“I hope that future individuals who reveals their orientation while playing football at a professional standard won't face the path I have experienced.”
The player 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.
“Heterosexual players aren't questioned and ask ‘why should you exist in football?’.
“A lot of people see me as a smiling, optimistic person. But sometimes when I lean on my fiance, his name, and he witnesses a lot that happens behind the scenes.”
‘Premier League player coming out would move mountains’
Cavallo's decision to reveal his sexuality 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 no openly gay or bisexual players in the top English division.
“It would create massive change,” comments Cavallo on the effect a Premier League player revealing their orientation would make.
“But I must be honest. Numerous frightening aspects that would await this individual. In the world of football, being an openly gay player is a highly hostile environment.”
Twenty-seven years after Justin Fashanu - the UK's initial out soccer professional - died by suicide in 1998, the current athlete has spoken about the “toxic masculinity” that persists in professional soccer.
“You just need to go to a match and see the hostile environment and masculinity that the audience creates,” he says.
“Much remains to be done to ensure there is a safe space in soccer for individuals like me and Jake.
“Progress has been limited (more players coming out) as frequently as desired.
“I can only keep pushing for principles I believe in, and work towards eliminating the harmful male norms in soccer locker rooms and creating a safe space.”
‘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 advocate for fairness
Cavallo says football has allowed him to have conversations 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 against the law, hosted the men's World Cup in 2022.
The 2034 tournament will be held in Saudi Arabia, where homosexuality is also illegal.
“Do I approve that the global championship is in nations that ban gay unions, where people like me will be imprisoned for just existing on their territory? It's frightening,” says Cavallo.
“I receive communications [from people living in these countries] saying ‘I face imprisonment for my identity - can you help me?’.
“It's devastating that people are getting locked up for their true selves.
“Certain nations that are huge in terms of football and they don't accept the queer community. These places that often focus on me.”
Despite this, Cavallo says he won't cease advocating.
“Football has allowed me to start conversations in the locker room. It lets me communicate 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 purpose is to drive progress. That's what I'm here for.”
