Identifying as LGBTQ+ in Professional Soccer: A Toxic Environment
“We've got mountains to do” - the athlete on anti-gay prejudice in soccer
“You shouldn't exist” ... “Why are you here?” ... “Stop breathing.”
After announcing his homosexuality in 2021, footballer the athlete has received daily death threats and abusive messages on online platforms.
“Upon reading those comments, it broke my heart,” the player explains. “No-one wants to read things like that.
“I'm trying to get better as a player and be the best I can be during matches, and then get put down because of who I am. It's appalling.”
Midfielder the sportsman was playing for Adelaide United four years ago when he became the only openly gay elite soccer player in the world.
This summer he left Australia to sign with non-league Peterborough Sports, who compete before audiences of about 400 in National League North, the sixth tier of English football.
This young athlete combines playing for the Cambridgeshire part-timers by advocating for inclusion matters and using his profile - boasting over a million followers on social media - to champion equality and acceptance.
“Absolutely, we've got mountains to do,” the footballer says when questioned about ongoing issues with homophobia.
“I don't go more than a week without encountering problems.”
‘People want to harm me’
Josh Cavallo grew up in Melbourne
It took years for Cavallo to build up the bravery to say “I am homosexual” before revealing his sexuality on October 27th, 2021.
“All I want to do is play football and receive fair treatment,” he stated in an accompanying video.
Cavallo was 21 and building his reputation at his Australian club 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 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’, went viral on social media.
“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 Cavallo, with then manager the German manager saying: “I appreciate that he did it because now we talk again.”
Spanish player Gerard Pique also offered support, writing on social media that “soccer culture is far behind and you are helping us move forward”, while Adelaide United released a comment supporting their “remarkable” and “courageous” player.
Others, however, were less welcoming.
Cavallo quickly became a subject to homophobic abuse by opposition fans.
During early 2022 a competing team were fined five thousand dollars over anti-gay abuse from spectators directed at the player during a match.
“The things I'd hear were painful and disparaging towards LGBTQ people,” he explains.
“I remained calm because I knew that would only feed the haters.”
A scary event occurred at a gas station in Australia, where Cavallo was physically attacked by someone who recognised him from the coverage.
“That was a scary moment,” he recalls. “The thought crossed my mind ‘this is real - individuals intend to hurt me’.
“Is it acceptable? Absolutely not. But by coming out, these are the consequences.
“I hope that the next person who reveals their orientation while competing in soccer at a high level won't face the path I have experienced.”
Cavallo says the daily death threats and abusive messages have taken a toll on his mental health.
“It's quite sad because I am having to explain why I belong on the football field for my identity,” he states.
“Heterosexual players aren't questioned and ask ‘why should you exist in football?’.
“Many individuals see me as a smiling, positive person. But there are days 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’
The player's choice to reveal his sexuality helped inspire 17-year-old attacking player another athlete to announce he was gay as the Britain's sole publicly out active male professional footballer in spring 2022.
Nevertheless, there are zero publicly LGBTQ athletes in the top English division.
“It would move mountains,” comments Cavallo on the effect a Premier League player revealing their orientation would have.
“But I must be honest. Numerous frightening aspects that would await this individual. In the world of football, identifying as LGBTQ is a very toxic place.”
Over two decades after Justin Fashanu - Britain's first openly gay male footballer - died by suicide in 1998, the current athlete has discussed the “toxic masculinity” that still exists in men's football.
“You just need to go to a game and see the hostile environment and masculinity that the audience creates,” he says.
“Much remains to be done to ensure there is a safe space in football for people like myself and his colleague.
“Progress has been limited (more players coming out) as frequently as desired.
“I can only keep pushing for what I think is right, and work towards eliminating the toxic masculinity in football changing rooms and creating a safe space.”
‘My mission is to drive progress’
Cavallo received an honorary doctorate from an academic institution in his former city in 2022, recognising his contributions as a inspirational figure in sport and a advocate for fairness
The player says soccer has allowed him to have conversations inside dressing rooms about coming out.
However, he is critical of soccer's global governing body, after Qatar, where homosexual partnerships are illegal, hosted the men's World Cup in 2022.
The 2034 tournament is scheduled in Saudi Arabia, where homosexuality is also illegal.
“Am I impressed that the World Cup is in countries that ban gay unions, where individuals like myself will be imprisoned for just existing on that land? It's frightening,” says Cavallo.
“I receive communications [from residents of such nations] saying ‘I'm about to be put in prison for being who I am - can you help me?’.
“It breaks my heart that individuals are incarcerated for their true selves.
“Certain nations that are huge in terms of football and they reject the queer community. These places that tend to target me.”
Despite this, the footballer says he won't cease advocating.
“Soccer has allowed me to start conversations in the changing room. It has allowed me to speak and educate people who want to learn more.
“Some will disapprove for your identity. But I have found my family. I have found my community.
“My mission is to create change. That's my objective.”
