Identifying as LGBTQ+ in Men's Football: 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.”
Since revealing his homosexuality in 2021, footballer Josh Cavallo has faced constant threats and hateful comments on online platforms.
“When I first saw these messages, I was devastated,” the player explains. “Nobody should have to endure such words.
“I'm working to improve my skills and be the best I can be on the pitch, and then get put down due to my identity. It's appalling.”
Midfielder Cavallo was playing for Adelaide United back in 2020 when he became the only openly gay top-flight male professional footballer 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, the sixth tier of English football.
This young athlete combines playing for the semi-professional team by advocating for inclusion matters and leveraging his platform - boasting over a million followers on social media - to champion equality and inclusion.
“Absolutely, we've got mountains to do,” Cavallo comments when questioned about ongoing issues with discrimination.
“Rarely a week passes without encountering problems.”
‘People want to harm me’
The player was raised in Melbourne
It took years for Cavallo to work up the courage to say “I am homosexual” before coming out on October 27th, 2021.
“All I want to do is play football and be treated equally,” he said in an related clip.
The player was twenty-one and building his reputation at Adelaide United in the premier division 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 says. “It felt like the right time in my life. I needed to move forward.”
His emotional coming out video, titled ‘His Personal Story’, gained massive attention on digital platforms.
“My mobile phone exploded with messages of support. The response was incredible.”
Liverpool were one of many high-profile clubs around the world to express support for Cavallo, with then manager Jurgen Klopp saying: “I'm really thankful that he did it because now we talk again.”
Spanish player the athlete also offered support, posting online that “soccer culture is lagging behind and you are helping us move forward”, while his former club issued a statement backing their “remarkable” and “brave” player.
Some people, however, were less welcoming.
The footballer soon turned into a target of anti-gay remarks by rival supporters.
During early 2022 a competing team were penalized A$5,000 over discriminatory chants from spectators aimed toward the player during a match.
“The things I'd hear were painful and disparaging towards my community,” he explains.
“I remained calm because responding would encourage detractors.”
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 - people want to harm me’.
“Is it acceptable? Definitely not. But by coming out, these are the consequences.
“My wish is that the next person who comes out while competing in soccer at a professional standard won't face the path I have experienced.”
Cavallo says the daily death threats and hostile communications have affected his psychological well-being.
“It's disappointing because I must justify why I belong on the football field for my identity,” he states.
“We don't sit straight people down and ask ‘why should you exist in football?’.
“Many individuals see me as a cheerful, optimistic person. But sometimes when I lean on my fiance, his name, and he gets to see a lot that happens behind the scenes.”
‘Top-tier athlete revealing orientation would create waves’
The player's choice to disclose his orientation helped inspire teenage Blackpool forward another athlete to announce he was gay as the UK's only openly gay playing soccer professional in spring 2022.
However, there are no openly gay or bisexual players in the top English division.
“It would move mountains,” comments Cavallo on the effect a elite athlete coming out would have.
“But I must be honest. Numerous frightening aspects that would come this person's way. Within soccer culture, being an openly gay player is a very toxic place.”
Twenty-seven years after Justin Fashanu - the UK's initial out soccer professional - died by suicide in 1998, Cavallo has discussed the “harmful male culture” that still exists in professional soccer.
“You just need to go to a game and see the hostile environment and male-dominated culture that the audience creates,” he explains.
“There is still a lot of work to make sure there is a secure environment in soccer for people like myself and his colleague.
“We haven't seen it (more players coming out) as much as we would like.
“My role is to continue advocating for principles I believe in, and strive for eliminating the toxic masculinity in soccer locker rooms and creating a safe space.”
‘I'm here to create change’
Cavallo received an honorary doctorate from an academic institution in Adelaide in 2022, recognising his contributions as a role model in sport and a champion for equality
Cavallo says football has enabled discussions inside dressing rooms about coming out.
However, he is disapproving toward soccer's global governing body, after Qatar, where homosexual partnerships are against the law, hosted the men's World Cup in 2022.
The 2034 tournament will be held in Saudi Arabia, where same-sex attraction is also illegal.
“Do I approve that the global championship is in countries that criminalise same-sex marriages, where individuals like myself will be imprisoned for merely living on that land? It's scary,” says Cavallo.
“I get messages [from people living in these countries] saying ‘I'm about to be put in prison for my identity - is assistance possible?’.
“It breaks my heart that people are getting locked up for being who they are.
“Certain nations that are significant soccer markets and they don't accept LGBTQ+ people. These places that tend to target me.”
Despite this, the footballer says he will not stop speaking up.
“Football has allowed me to start conversations in the locker room. It has allowed me to speak and inform individuals who seek understanding.
“Not everyone is going to like you for who you are. But I have found my family. I have found my community.
“My purpose is to drive progress. That's what I'm here for.”