Identifying as LGBTQ+ in Men's Football: A Toxic Environment
“We've got mountains to do” - Cavallo on homophobia in soccer
“You shouldn't exist” ... “What are you doing here?” ... “Stop breathing.”
After announcing he was gay in 2021, player the athlete 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 trying to get better as a player and be the best I can be during matches, and then face criticism because of who I am. It's disgusting.”
Player Cavallo was at Adelaide United back in 2020 when he became the only openly gay elite soccer player in the world.
This summer he left Australia to join lower-tier club Peterborough Sports, who play in front of crowds of about 400 in National League North, one level below of the English soccer system.
The 25-year-old balances his sports career 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.
“Definitely, there's enormous work ahead,” the footballer comments when questioned about ongoing issues with homophobia.
“Rarely a week passes without encountering problems.”
‘Individuals wish to hurt me’
Josh Cavallo grew up in Melbourne
Several years passed for the athlete to build up the bravery to say “I'm gay” before revealing his sexuality on 27 October 2021.
“My only desire is compete in soccer and receive fair treatment,” he stated in an related clip.
The player was 21 and making a name for himself at Adelaide United in the premier division when, with the support of his team-mates, he publicly came out.
“The future was uncertain. I had no expectations,” he says. “It felt like the right time in my life. I needed to move forward.”
The heartfelt revelation clip, entitled ‘His Personal Story’, gained massive attention on social media.
“My phone was flooded with messages of support. It was overwhelming.”
Liverpool were among numerous famous teams around the world to express support for Cavallo, with the coach at the time the German manager saying: “I appreciate that he took this step because it sparks conversation.”
Barcelona defender Gerard Pique also offered support, posting online that “soccer culture is far behind and your actions drive progress”, while Adelaide United issued a statement backing their “remarkable” and “courageous” player.
Some people, however, were not so accepting.
Cavallo quickly became a subject to anti-gay remarks by rival supporters.
In January 2022 Melbourne Victory were penalized five thousand dollars over anti-gay abuse from fans directed at Cavallo during a game.
“The comments I encountered were hurtful and derogatory towards LGBTQ people,” he explains.
“I didn't react because I knew that would only feed the haters.”
There was a frightening incident at a gas station in Australia, where the athlete was physically attacked by an individual who identified him from the media attention.
“It was terrifying,” he recalls. “I remember thinking ‘this is real - people want to harm me’.
“Should this be tolerated? Absolutely not. But by coming out, these are the consequences.
“I hope that future individuals who reveals their orientation while competing in soccer at a high level doesn't have to experience the path I have experienced.”
Cavallo says the constant menacing messages and abusive messages have affected his psychological well-being.
“It's quite sad 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, positive person. But sometimes when I lean on my fiance, his name, and he witnesses much of what occurs behind the scenes.”
‘Top-tier athlete revealing orientation would create waves’
Cavallo's decision to reveal his sexuality helped inspire 17-year-old Blackpool forward another athlete to announce he was gay as the Britain's sole publicly out playing soccer professional in spring 2022.
However, there are no openly gay or bisexual players in the Premier League.
“It would move mountains,” comments Cavallo on the impact a Premier League player revealing their orientation would make.
“But I'm not going to sugar-coat it. There are a lot of scary things that would await this individual. Within soccer culture, identifying as LGBTQ is a very toxic place.”
Twenty-seven years after a pioneering player - Britain's first openly gay male footballer - took his own life in 1998, the current athlete has discussed the “harmful male culture” that still exists in men's football.
“Simply attend to a match and see the unfriendly atmosphere and male-dominated culture that the audience creates,” he explains.
“There is still a lot of work to ensure there is a secure environment in soccer for individuals like me and Jake.
“We haven't seen it (additional athletes revealing their orientation) as frequently as desired.
“I can only keep pushing for principles I believe in, and strive for 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 his former city in 2022, honoring his efforts as a inspirational figure in athletics and a advocate for fairness
Cavallo says soccer has allowed him to have conversations within team environments about coming out.
Yet, he is critical of soccer's global governing body, after the Middle Eastern nation, where same-sex relationships are illegal, hosted the men's World Cup in 2022.
Future World Cup is scheduled in another Gulf state, where homosexuality is similarly prohibited.
“Do I approve that the World Cup is in nations that ban gay unions, where people like me will be imprisoned for just existing on their territory? It's frightening,” states the athlete.
“I get messages [from residents of such nations] saying ‘I face imprisonment for being who I am - can you help me?’.
“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 tend to target me.”
Despite this, the footballer says he will not stop speaking up.
“Soccer has enabled dialogue in the locker room. It lets me communicate and inform individuals who want to learn more.
“Some will disapprove 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.”
