Identifying as LGBTQ+ in Professional Soccer: A Toxic Environment
“We've got mountains to do” - Cavallo on anti-gay prejudice in soccer
“You don't belong on this earth” ... “Why are you here?” ... “Don't take another breath.”
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, it broke my heart,” Cavallo explains. “No-one wants to read things like that.
“I'm working to improve my skills and reach my full potential on the pitch, and then get put down because of who I am. It's disgusting.”
Midfielder the sportsman was playing for Adelaide United back in 2020 when he emerged as the sole publicly out top-flight male professional footballer in the world.
This summer he left Australia to sign with lower-tier club Peterborough Sports, who play in front of crowds of about 400 in National League North, the sixth tier of the English soccer system.
This young athlete combines playing for the semi-professional team by advocating for inclusion matters and using his profile - he has more than one million followers on Instagram - to champion equality and inclusion.
“Absolutely, we've got mountains to do,” the footballer comments when questioned about ongoing issues with homophobia.
“I don't go more than a week without encountering problems.”
‘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'm gay” before revealing his sexuality on October 27th, 2021.
“All I want to do is play football and receive fair treatment,” he stated in an related clip.
Cavallo was 21 and making a name for himself at Adelaide United in Australia's top flight when, backed by his colleagues, he publicly came out.
“The future was uncertain. I had no expectations,” he says. “The moment seemed appropriate in my life. I needed to move forward.”
His emotional coming out video, titled ‘His Personal Story’, went viral on social media.
“My phone was flooded with messages of support. It was overwhelming.”
Liverpool were one of many high-profile clubs around the world to express support for Cavallo, with then manager Jurgen Klopp saying: “I appreciate that he did it because it sparks conversation.”
Spanish player Gerard Pique also offered support, posting online that “soccer culture is far behind and your actions drive progress”, while his former club issued a statement backing their “extraordinary” and “courageous” player.
Some people, however, were less welcoming.
Cavallo quickly became a target of homophobic abuse by rival supporters.
During early 2022 Melbourne Victory were fined A$5,000 over anti-gay abuse from spectators aimed toward Cavallo during a game.
“The things I'd hear were hurtful and disparaging towards LGBTQ people,” he says.
“I didn't react because responding would encourage detractors.”
A scary event occurred at a petrol station in Australia, where the athlete was assaulted by an individual who identified him from the coverage.
“That was a scary moment,” he remembers. “The thought crossed my mind ‘this is happening - people want to harm me’.
“Should this be tolerated? Definitely not. But by coming out, this is what it brings.
“My wish is that future individuals who comes out while playing football at a high level doesn't have to experience the path I have endured.”
The player says the constant menacing messages and abusive messages have taken a toll on his psychological well-being.
“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 ‘why should you exist in football?’.
“A lot of people see me as a smiling, optimistic person. But sometimes when I rely on my partner, Leighton, and he gets to see a lot that happens behind the scenes.”
‘Top-tier athlete revealing orientation would create waves’
Cavallo's decision to reveal his sexuality helped prompt 17-year-old attacking player Jake Daniels to come out as the UK's only openly gay active male professional footballer in spring 2022.
However, there are zero publicly LGBTQ athletes in the Premier League.
“It would move mountains,” comments Cavallo on the effect a elite athlete revealing their orientation would make.
“But I'm not going to sugar-coat it. There are a lot of scary things that would come this person's way. Within soccer culture, being an openly gay player is a very toxic place.”
Over two decades after a pioneering player - the UK's initial out soccer professional - took his own life in 1998, the current athlete has discussed the “toxic masculinity” that still exists in men's football.
“Simply attend to a game and see the unfriendly atmosphere and masculinity that the audience creates,” he explains.
“Much remains to be done to make sure there is a safe space in soccer for people like myself and his colleague.
“Progress has been limited (additional athletes revealing their orientation) as much as we would like.
“I can only keep pushing for principles I believe in, and work towards taking out the harmful male norms in soccer locker rooms and creating a safe space.”
‘My mission is to drive progress’
The athlete was awarded an honorary degree from Flinders University in Adelaide in 2022, honoring his efforts as a inspirational figure in athletics and a champion for equality
Cavallo says soccer has enabled discussions inside dressing rooms about coming out.
However, he is disapproving toward Fifa, after the Middle Eastern nation, where same-sex relationships are against the law, staged the global tournament in 2022.
The 2034 tournament will be held in Saudi Arabia, where homosexuality is also illegal.
“Do I approve that the World Cup is in countries that ban gay unions, where individuals like myself will be imprisoned for merely living on that land? It's scary,” states Cavallo.
“I get messages [from residents of such nations] saying ‘I'm about to be put in prison for being who I am - can you help me?’.
“It's devastating that people are getting locked up for their true selves.
“There are countries that are huge in terms of football and they don't accept LGBTQ+ people. Those are the countries that often focus on me.”
Nevertheless, Cavallo says he will not stop speaking up.
“Soccer has allowed me to start conversations in the locker room. It lets me communicate and inform individuals who want to learn more.
“Not everyone is going to like you for who you are. But I've discovered support. I have found my community.
“My purpose is to drive progress. That's my objective.”