Identifying as LGBTQ+ in Men's Football: An Unwelcoming Atmosphere
“We've got mountains to do” - Cavallo on anti-gay prejudice in soccer
“You shouldn't exist” ... “What are you doing here?” ... “Stop breathing.”
After announcing 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,” Cavallo states. “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 face criticism because of who I am. It's appalling.”
Midfielder the sportsman was at Adelaide United four years ago when he became the only openly gay elite soccer player in the world.
This summer he departed from Australia to sign with non-league Peterborough Sports, who play in front of crowds of about 400 in National League North, the sixth tier of English football.
The 25-year-old combines playing for the Cambridgeshire part-timers by advocating for LGBTQ+ issues and leveraging his platform - boasting over a million followers on social media - to promote fairness and inclusion.
“Absolutely, we've got mountains to do,” the footballer comments when questioned about ongoing issues with homophobia.
“Rarely a week passes without hearing about an issue.”
‘People want to harm me’
The player was raised in Melbourne
Several years passed for the athlete to build up the bravery to say “I am homosexual” before revealing his sexuality on October 27th, 2021.
“My only desire is compete in soccer and receive fair treatment,” he stated in an accompanying video.
Cavallo was 21 and building his reputation at Adelaide United in Australia's top flight when, with the support of his team-mates, he announced his orientation publicly.
“I didn't know what was ahead. I didn't know what to expect,” 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 digital platforms.
“My mobile phone exploded with encouraging words. The response was incredible.”
Liverpool were one of many high-profile clubs around the world to show solidarity with the player, with then manager Jurgen Klopp saying: “I appreciate that he took this step because it sparks conversation.”
Barcelona defender Gerard Pique also offered support, posting online 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 “brave” player.
Some people, however, were less welcoming.
Cavallo quickly became a subject to homophobic abuse by opposition fans.
In January 2022 a competing team were fined five thousand dollars over anti-gay abuse from fans aimed toward the player during a game.
“The things I'd hear were painful and disparaging towards my community,” he says.
“I remained calm because responding would encourage detractors.”
A scary event occurred at a gas 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 happening - individuals intend to hurt me’.
“Is it acceptable? Absolutely not. But by coming out, this is what it brings.
“I hope that future individuals who reveals their orientation while playing football at a high level won't face the path I have experienced.”
The player says the daily death threats and hostile communications have affected his mental health.
“It's disappointing because I am having to explain why I deserve a place 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?’.
“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.”
‘Premier League player coming out would move mountains’
The player's choice to disclose his orientation helped prompt 17-year-old Blackpool forward Jake Daniels to announce he was gay as the Britain's sole publicly out playing soccer professional in spring 2022.
However, there are zero publicly LGBTQ athletes in the top English division.
“It would create massive change,” comments Cavallo on the impact a elite athlete coming out would have.
“But I'm not going to sugar-coat it. There are a lot of scary things that would await this individual. In the world of football, identifying as LGBTQ is a very toxic place.”
Twenty-seven years after Justin Fashanu - the UK's initial out soccer professional - took his own life in 1998, Cavallo has discussed the “toxic masculinity” that still exists in professional soccer.
“You just need to go to a game and see the hostile environment and masculinity that the crowd brings,” he explains.
“There is still a lot of work to make sure there is a secure environment in soccer for individuals like me and his colleague.
“We haven't seen it (additional athletes revealing their orientation) as frequently as desired.
“My role is to continue advocating for principles I believe in, and strive for eliminating the harmful male norms in football changing rooms and establishing secure environments.”
‘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 advocate for fairness
Cavallo says soccer has allowed him to have conversations inside dressing rooms about coming out.
Yet, he is disapproving toward soccer's global governing body, after Qatar, where homosexual partnerships are illegal, staged the global tournament in 2022.
The 2034 tournament is scheduled in Saudi Arabia, where homosexuality is also illegal.
“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 that land? It's scary,” states Cavallo.
“I get messages [from people living in these countries] saying ‘I'm about to be put in prison for being who I am - is assistance possible?’.
“It's devastating that people are getting locked up for being who they are.
“There are countries that are significant soccer markets and they don't accept LGBTQ+ people. 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 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've connected with similar people.
“My purpose is to drive progress. That's what I'm here for.”