Identifying as LGBTQ+ in Professional Soccer: A Toxic Environment
“There's still so much to accomplish” - Cavallo on homophobia in soccer
“You shouldn't exist” ... “Why are you here?” ... “Stop breathing.”
Since revealing his homosexuality in 2021, footballer the athlete has received daily death threats and abusive messages on online platforms.
“When I first saw these messages, I was devastated,” Cavallo states. “No-one wants to read things like that.
“I'm working to improve my skills and reach my full potential during matches, and then face criticism because of who I am. It's disgusting.”
Midfielder the sportsman was at Adelaide United back in 2020 when he became the only openly gay top-flight male professional footballer in the world.
This summer he left Australia to join non-league Peterborough Sports, who play in front of crowds of about 400 in the sixth division, the sixth tier of the English soccer system.
The 25-year-old combines playing for the Cambridgeshire part-timers by advocating for LGBTQ+ issues and leveraging his platform - he has more than one million followers on Instagram - to champion equality and inclusion.
“Definitely, we've got mountains to do,” the footballer comments when asked if football still has a problem with homophobia.
“I don't go more than a week 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'm gay” before revealing his sexuality on 27 October 2021.
“All I want to do is compete in soccer and receive fair treatment,” he said in an accompanying video.
Cavallo was twenty-one and making a name for himself at Adelaide United in the premier division when, backed by his colleagues, he announced his orientation publicly.
“The future was uncertain. I had no expectations,” he says. “It felt like the right time in my life. I wanted to take the next step.”
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 among numerous famous teams around the world to show solidarity with the player, with then manager the German manager saying: “I appreciate that he did it because it sparks conversation.”
Spanish player Gerard Pique also offered support, writing on social media that “the world of football is far behind and you are helping us move forward”, while his former club released a comment backing their “extraordinary” and “brave” player.
Some people, however, were less welcoming.
Cavallo soon turned into a subject to anti-gay remarks by rival supporters.
During early 2022 Melbourne Victory were fined five thousand dollars over anti-gay abuse from spectators directed at Cavallo during a game.
“The things I'd hear were painful and disparaging towards my community,” he explains.
“I remained calm because I knew that would only feed the haters.”
A scary event occurred at a petrol station in Australia, where Cavallo 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’.
“Is it acceptable? Definitely not. But by coming out, this is what it brings.
“I hope that future individuals who comes out while playing football at a professional standard doesn't have to experience the journey I have endured.”
Cavallo says the constant menacing messages and abusive messages have affected his mental health.
“It's disappointing because I am having to explain why I belong on the soccer pitch for my identity,” he states.
“We don't sit straight people down and ask ‘what gives you the right in football?’.
“Many individuals see me as a smiling, optimistic person. But sometimes when I rely on my partner, his name, and he gets to see a lot that happens behind the scenes.”
‘Top-tier athlete revealing orientation would create waves’
Cavallo's decision to disclose his orientation helped inspire 17-year-old Blackpool forward another athlete to announce he was gay as the Britain's sole publicly out active male professional footballer in spring 2022.
Nevertheless, there are zero publicly LGBTQ athletes in the top English division.
“It would create massive change,” says 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 very toxic place.”
Over two decades after Justin Fashanu - the UK's initial out soccer professional - died by suicide in 1998, the current athlete has discussed the “harmful male culture” that still exists in men's football.
“Simply attend to a match and observe the unfriendly atmosphere 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 individuals like me and Jake.
“We haven't seen it (more players coming out) as much as we would like.
“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 Flinders University in his former city in 2022, recognising his contributions as a inspirational figure in sport and a advocate for fairness
The player says football has allowed him to have conversations inside dressing rooms about coming out.
Yet, he is disapproving toward Fifa, after Qatar, where same-sex relationships 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.
“Am I impressed that the World Cup is in nations that ban gay unions, where people like me will be put in prison for merely living on their territory? It's scary,” says the athlete.
“I get messages [from residents of such nations] 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 significant soccer markets and they reject LGBTQ+ people. Those are the countries that often focus on me.”
Despite this, Cavallo says he will not stop speaking up.
“Soccer has enabled dialogue in the changing room. It has allowed me to speak and inform individuals who seek understanding.
“Not everyone is going to like you for your identity. But I've discovered support. I've connected with similar people.
“My purpose is to create change. That's what I'm here for.”
