Identifying as LGBTQ+ in Professional Soccer: An Unwelcoming Atmosphere
“We've got mountains to do” - the athlete on anti-gay prejudice in soccer
“You don't belong on this earth” ... “Why are you here?” ... “Don't take another breath.”
After announcing his homosexuality in 2021, footballer the athlete has received daily death threats and hateful comments on online platforms.
“When I first saw these messages, it broke my heart,” Cavallo explains. “Nobody should have to endure such words.
“I'm trying to get better as a player and reach my full potential during matches, and then face criticism due to my identity. It's disgusting.”
Midfielder Cavallo was playing for Adelaide United back in 2020 when he became the only openly gay 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 the English soccer system.
This young athlete combines playing for the Cambridgeshire part-timers by speaking up on LGBTQ+ issues and using his profile - boasting over a million followers on Instagram - to promote fairness and acceptance.
“Definitely, 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.”
‘Individuals wish to hurt me’
Josh Cavallo grew up in Melbourne
Several years passed for Cavallo to build up the bravery to say “I am homosexual” before coming out on 27 October 2021.
“My only desire is play football and receive fair treatment,” he stated in an related clip.
The player was twenty-one and building his reputation at Adelaide United in the premier division when, with the support of his team-mates, he announced his orientation publicly.
“I didn't know what was ahead. I had no expectations,” he says. “The moment seemed appropriate in my life. I wanted to take the next step.”
The heartfelt revelation clip, entitled ‘Josh's Truth’, gained massive attention on digital platforms.
“My mobile phone exploded with encouraging words. It was overwhelming.”
A prominent club were among numerous famous teams around the world to show solidarity with Cavallo, with then manager Jurgen Klopp saying: “I appreciate that he did it because now we talk again.”
Barcelona defender Gerard Pique also expressed backing, posting online that “soccer culture is lagging behind and you are helping us move forward”, while Adelaide United issued a statement backing their “extraordinary” and “courageous” player.
Others, however, were less welcoming.
Cavallo soon turned into a target of anti-gay remarks by opposition fans.
In January 2022 a competing team were fined A$5,000 over discriminatory chants from fans aimed toward Cavallo during a match.
“The comments I encountered were painful and disparaging towards LGBTQ people,” he explains.
“I remained calm because responding would encourage detractors.”
A scary event occurred at a petrol station in Australia, where the athlete was physically attacked by an individual who identified him from the coverage.
“It was terrifying,” he remembers. “I remember thinking ‘this is happening - individuals intend to hurt me’.
“Should this be tolerated? Definitely not. But through my disclosure, this is what it brings.
“My wish is that future individuals who comes out while playing football at a professional standard doesn't have to experience the journey I have experienced.”
Cavallo says the constant menacing messages and hostile communications have taken a toll on his mental health.
“It's disappointing because I am having to explain why I belong on the soccer pitch for being who I am,” he states.
“We don't sit straight people down and ask ‘what gives you the right in football?’.
“A lot of people see me as a cheerful, optimistic person. But there are days when I rely on my partner, his name, and he gets to see a lot that happens privately.”
‘Premier League player coming out would move mountains’
Cavallo's decision to disclose his orientation helped inspire teenage Blackpool forward another athlete to come out as the Britain's sole publicly out playing soccer professional in May 2022.
Nevertheless, there are no openly gay or bisexual players in the top English division.
“It would create massive change,” comments Cavallo on the impact a elite athlete coming out would have.
“But I must be honest. There are a lot of scary things that would come this person's way. In the world of football, being an openly gay player is a very toxic place.”
Over two decades after Justin Fashanu - the UK's initial out soccer professional - took his own life in 1998, the current athlete has discussed the “toxic masculinity” 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 explains.
“There is still a lot of work to ensure there is a safe space in soccer for individuals like me and Jake.
“We haven't seen it (additional athletes revealing their orientation) as frequently as desired.
“My role is to continue advocating for what I think is right, and work towards eliminating the toxic masculinity in soccer locker rooms and establishing secure environments.”
‘I'm here to create change’
The athlete was awarded an honorary degree from an academic institution in his former city in 2022, recognising his contributions as a role model in athletics and a champion for equality
Cavallo says football has allowed him to have conversations inside dressing rooms about coming out.
However, he is critical of soccer's global governing body, after Qatar, 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 World Cup is in nations that criminalise same-sex marriages, where people like me will be imprisoned for just existing on their territory? It's frightening,” states the athlete.
“I receive communications [from residents of such nations] saying ‘I face imprisonment for being who I am - can you help me?’.
“It breaks my heart that individuals are incarcerated for their true selves.
“There are countries that are huge in terms of football and they don't accept LGBTQ+ people. Those are the countries that tend to target me.”
Nevertheless, Cavallo says he will not stop speaking up.
“Football has allowed me to start conversations in the locker room. It lets me communicate and inform individuals who seek understanding.
“Some will disapprove for who you are. But I've discovered support. I have found my community.
“My purpose is to create change. That's what I'm here for.”
