Identifying as LGBTQ+ in Professional Soccer: A Toxic Environment
“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 he was gay in 2021, player the athlete has received daily death threats and abusive messages on social media.
“Upon reading those comments, I was devastated,” the player states. “No-one wants to read things like that.
“I'm trying to get better as a player and reach my full potential during matches, and then get put down due to my identity. It's appalling.”
Player the sportsman was at Adelaide United four years ago when he became the only openly gay elite soccer player in the world.
Recently he left Australia to sign with lower-tier club Peterborough Sports, who play in front of crowds of about 400 in the sixth division, one level below of English football.
This young athlete balances his sports career for the semi-professional team by speaking up on LGBTQ+ issues and leveraging his platform - he has more than one million followers on Instagram - to champion equality and inclusion.
“Definitely, there's enormous work ahead,” Cavallo says when questioned about ongoing issues with homophobia.
“I don't go more than a week without encountering problems.”
‘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 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 making a name for himself at Adelaide United in the premier division when, backed by his colleagues, he publicly came out.
“I didn't know what was ahead. I had no expectations,” he says. “The moment seemed appropriate in my life. I needed to move forward.”
The heartfelt revelation clip, titled ‘His Personal Story’, went viral on social media.
“My mobile phone exploded with encouraging words. The response was incredible.”
Liverpool were among numerous famous teams around the world to express support for Cavallo, with the coach at the time Jurgen Klopp saying: “I appreciate that he did it because now we talk again.”
Spanish player Gerard Pique also expressed backing, writing on social media that “the world of football is far behind and you are helping us move forward”, while Adelaide United issued a statement backing their “extraordinary” and “courageous” player.
Others, however, were not so accepting.
The footballer soon turned into a subject to anti-gay remarks by opposition fans.
During early 2022 Melbourne Victory were penalized five thousand dollars over anti-gay abuse from spectators directed at Cavallo during a match.
“The things I'd hear were hurtful and disparaging towards my community,” he says.
“I remained calm because responding would encourage detractors.”
There was a frightening incident at a petrol station in Australia, where Cavallo was assaulted by someone who recognised him from the coverage.
“That was a scary moment,” he remembers. “The thought crossed my mind ‘this is real - individuals intend to hurt me’.
“Should this be tolerated? Definitely not. But through my disclosure, this is what it brings.
“I hope that the next person who reveals their orientation while playing football at a professional standard doesn't have to experience the journey I have experienced.”
The player says the daily death threats and abusive messages have taken a toll on his psychological well-being.
“It's disappointing because I must justify why I deserve a place on the soccer pitch for being who I am,” he says.
“We don't sit straight people down and ask ‘what gives you the right in football?’.
“Many individuals see me as a cheerful, optimistic person. But there are days when I rely on my partner, his name, and he witnesses much of what occurs behind the scenes.”
‘Premier League player coming out would move mountains’
Cavallo's decision to disclose his orientation helped inspire teenage attacking player Jake Daniels to announce he was gay as the Britain's sole publicly out active male professional footballer in spring 2022.
Nevertheless, there are no openly gay or bisexual players in the top English division.
“It would create massive change,” says Cavallo on the effect a elite athlete coming out would have.
“But I must be honest. Numerous frightening aspects that would await this individual. Within soccer culture, 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 discussed the “toxic masculinity” that persists in professional soccer.
“You just need to go to a game and see the unfriendly atmosphere and masculinity that the crowd brings,” he says.
“Much remains to be done to make sure there is a secure environment in football for people like myself and his colleague.
“We haven't seen it (more players coming out) as frequently as desired.
“My role is to continue advocating for what I think is right, and work towards taking out the toxic masculinity in football changing rooms and establishing secure environments.”
‘I'm here to create change’
The athlete was awarded an honorary degree from Flinders University in Adelaide in 2022, recognising his contributions as a role model in sport and a advocate for fairness
The player says soccer has enabled discussions within team environments about revealing one's orientation.
However, he is disapproving toward Fifa, after Qatar, where same-sex relationships are illegal, hosted the men's World Cup in 2022.
Future World Cup will be held in Saudi Arabia, where same-sex attraction is similarly prohibited.
“Am I impressed that the World Cup is in nations that criminalise same-sex marriages, where individuals like myself 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 being who they are.
“Certain nations that are significant soccer markets and they don't accept LGBTQ+ people. Those are the countries that often focus on me.”
Nevertheless, the footballer says he won't cease advocating.
“Soccer has allowed me to start conversations in the locker room. It has allowed me to speak and educate people who seek understanding.
“Some will disapprove for who you are. But I have found my family. I have found my community.
“My purpose is to create change. That's what I'm here for.”
