Identifying as LGBTQ+ in Men's Football: An Unwelcoming Atmosphere
“There's still so much to accomplish” - Cavallo on homophobia in football
“You shouldn't exist” ... “Why are you here?” ... “Stop breathing.”
Since revealing he was gay in 2021, player the athlete has received daily death threats and abusive messages on social media.
“When I first saw these messages, I was devastated,” Cavallo explains. “Nobody should have to endure such words.
“I'm working to improve my skills and be the best I can be during matches, and then get put down due to my identity. It's appalling.”
Midfielder the sportsman was at Adelaide United back in 2020 when he emerged as the sole publicly out elite soccer player in the world.
Recently he departed from Australia to join non-league 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 speaking up on inclusion matters and leveraging his platform - he has more than one million followers on social media - to champion equality and inclusion.
“Definitely, we've got mountains to do,” Cavallo comments when questioned about ongoing issues with homophobia.
“Rarely a week passes 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 27 October 2021.
“All I want to do is compete in soccer and receive fair treatment,” he said in an related clip.
The player was 21 and building his reputation at his Australian club in the premier division 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, entitled ‘Josh's Truth’, gained massive attention on social media.
“My phone was flooded with encouraging words. The response was incredible.”
A prominent club were one of many high-profile clubs around the world to express support for Cavallo, with the coach at the time the German manager saying: “I'm really thankful that he did it because it sparks conversation.”
Spanish player Gerard Pique also expressed backing, posting online that “the world of football is lagging behind and you are helping us move forward”, while Adelaide United released a comment supporting their “remarkable” and “brave” player.
Others, however, were not so accepting.
Cavallo soon turned into a target of homophobic abuse by rival supporters.
During early 2022 Melbourne Victory were penalized A$5,000 over anti-gay abuse from fans 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.”
There was a frightening incident at a gas station in Australia, where Cavallo was physically attacked by someone who recognised him from the coverage.
“It was terrifying,” he recalls. “I remember thinking ‘this is happening - individuals intend to hurt me’.
“Is it acceptable? Absolutely not. But by coming out, these are the consequences.
“My wish is that the next person who comes out while playing football at a high level won't face the path I have experienced.”
The player says the daily death threats and abusive messages have taken a toll on his psychological well-being.
“It's quite sad because I must justify why I deserve a place on the football field 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 cheerful, optimistic person. But sometimes when I rely on my partner, his name, and he gets to see a lot that happens privately.”
‘Premier League player coming out would move mountains’
Cavallo's decision to disclose his orientation helped inspire 17-year-old attacking player another athlete to announce he was gay as the UK's only openly gay playing soccer professional in May 2022.
However, there are no openly gay or bisexual players in the Premier League.
“It would create massive change,” says the footballer on the effect a elite athlete revealing their orientation would have.
“But I'm not going to sugar-coat it. Numerous frightening aspects that would come this person's way. Within soccer culture, being an openly gay player is a highly hostile environment.”
Over two decades after a pioneering player - Britain's first openly gay male footballer - took his own life in 1998, Cavallo has discussed the “harmful male culture” that persists in men's football.
“Simply attend to a match and see the hostile environment and masculinity that the crowd brings,” he says.
“Much remains to be done to ensure there is a safe space in soccer for people like myself and Jake.
“Progress has been limited (additional athletes revealing their orientation) as much as we would like.
“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 an academic institution in Adelaide in 2022, recognising his contributions as a role model in sport and a champion for equality
The player says football has allowed him to have conversations inside dressing rooms about revealing one's orientation.
However, he is disapproving toward Fifa, 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.
“Do I approve that the World Cup is in countries that ban gay unions, where people like me will be imprisoned for merely living on their territory? It's frightening,” states the athlete.
“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 individuals are incarcerated for being who they are.
“Certain nations that are huge in terms of football and they reject the queer community. Those are the countries that often focus on me.”
Nevertheless, Cavallo says he will not stop speaking up.
“Football has allowed me to start conversations in the changing room. It lets me communicate and educate people who seek understanding.
“Some will disapprove for your identity. But I've discovered support. I have found my community.
“My mission is to drive progress. That's what I'm here for.”