Identifying as LGBTQ+ in Men's Football: A Toxic Environment
“There's still so much to accomplish” - the athlete on anti-gay prejudice in football
“You shouldn't exist” ... “What are you doing here?” ... “Don't take another breath.”
After announcing he was gay in 2021, player the athlete has faced constant threats and abusive messages on online platforms.
“Upon reading those comments, I was devastated,” Cavallo states. “No-one wants to read things like that.
“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 playing for Adelaide United back in 2020 when he emerged as the sole publicly out elite soccer player in the world.
Recently he left Australia to join non-league Peterborough Sports, who play in front of crowds of about 400 in the sixth division, the sixth tier of the English soccer system.
This young athlete balances his sports career for the semi-professional team by advocating for LGBTQ+ issues and leveraging his platform - boasting over a million followers on social media - to champion equality and inclusion.
“Definitely, we've got mountains to do,” the footballer comments when asked if football still has a problem with discrimination.
“I don't go more than a week without hearing about an issue.”
‘Individuals wish to hurt me’
Josh Cavallo grew up in Melbourne
It took years for the athlete to build up the bravery to say “I'm gay” before coming out on 27 October 2021.
“My only desire is play football and be treated equally,” he said in an accompanying video.
Cavallo was 21 and making a name for himself at Adelaide United in the premier division when, backed by his colleagues, he announced his orientation publicly.
“The future was uncertain. 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 social media.
“My mobile phone exploded with messages of support. It was overwhelming.”
Liverpool were among numerous famous teams around the world to show solidarity with the player, with the coach at the time Jurgen Klopp saying: “I'm really thankful that he took this step because it sparks conversation.”
Barcelona defender Gerard Pique also offered support, writing on social media that “the world of football is lagging behind and you are helping us move forward”, while Adelaide United issued a statement supporting their “extraordinary” and “courageous” player.
Some people, however, were less welcoming.
The footballer quickly became a target of homophobic abuse by opposition fans.
In January 2022 a competing team were penalized A$5,000 over anti-gay abuse from spectators directed at Cavallo during a match.
“The things I'd hear were hurtful and disparaging towards my community,” he says.
“I didn't react because responding would encourage detractors.”
A scary event occurred at a gas station in Australia, where Cavallo was physically attacked by someone who recognised him from the media attention.
“That was a scary moment,” he recalls. “I remember thinking ‘this is real - individuals intend to hurt me’.
“Is it acceptable? Absolutely not. But through my disclosure, these are the consequences.
“My wish is that the next person who comes out while competing in soccer at a high level won't face the journey I have experienced.”
The player says the daily death threats and hostile communications have affected his psychological well-being.
“It's quite sad because I must justify why I belong on the football field for being who I am,” he states.
“We don't sit straight people down and ask ‘why should you exist in football?’.
“Many individuals see me as a cheerful, optimistic person. But there are days when I lean on my fiance, his name, and he gets to see a lot that happens 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 come out as the Britain's sole publicly out playing soccer professional in May 2022.
However, there are zero publicly LGBTQ athletes in the top English division.
“It would create massive change,” says the footballer on the impact a elite athlete coming out 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 - the UK's initial out soccer professional - took his own life in 1998, the current athlete has spoken about the “toxic masculinity” that persists in professional soccer.
“Simply attend to a match and observe the hostile environment and male-dominated culture that the crowd brings,” he says.
“Much remains to be done to ensure there is a safe space in soccer for individuals like me and Jake.
“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 taking out the harmful male norms in soccer locker rooms and creating a safe space.”
‘I'm here to create change’
Cavallo received an honorary doctorate from an academic institution in his former city in 2022, honoring his efforts as a role model in athletics and a champion for equality
Cavallo says soccer has allowed him to have conversations inside dressing rooms about revealing one's orientation.
However, he is critical of soccer's global governing body, after the Middle Eastern nation, where homosexual partnerships are illegal, staged the global tournament in 2022.
The 2034 tournament is scheduled in another Gulf state, where same-sex attraction is also illegal.
“Do I approve that the global championship is in countries that ban gay unions, where people like me will be put in prison for just existing on their territory? It's scary,” says the athlete.
“I get messages [from residents of such nations] saying ‘I'm about to be put in prison for my identity - is assistance possible?’.
“It's devastating that people are getting locked up for being who they are.
“Certain nations 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.
“Soccer has allowed me to start conversations in the locker room. It has allowed me to speak and educate people who want to learn more.
“Not everyone is going to like you for your identity. But I've discovered support. I have found my community.
“My purpose is to drive progress. That's what I'm here for.”
