Identifying as LGBTQ+ in Professional Soccer: A Toxic Environment
“There's still so much to accomplish” - Cavallo on homophobia in soccer
“You don't belong on this earth” ... “What are you doing here?” ... “Stop breathing.”
Since revealing his homosexuality in 2021, player the athlete has received daily death threats and abusive messages on online platforms.
“When I first saw these messages, I was devastated,” Cavallo states. “Nobody should have to endure such words.
“I'm working to improve my skills and reach my full potential during matches, and then face criticism due to my identity. It's disgusting.”
Midfielder the sportsman was playing for 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 compete before audiences of about 400 in the sixth division, the sixth tier of English football.
This young athlete balances his sports career for the semi-professional team by speaking up on LGBTQ+ issues and leveraging his platform - he has more than one million followers on social media - to champion equality and inclusion.
“Absolutely, there's enormous work ahead,” Cavallo comments when asked if football still has a problem with discrimination.
“Rarely a week passes without hearing about an issue.”
‘People want to harm me’
The player was raised in Melbourne
It took years for the athlete to work up the courage to say “I'm gay” before revealing his sexuality on October 27th, 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, backed by his colleagues, he announced his orientation publicly.
“The future was uncertain. I didn't know what to expect,” he recalls. “The moment seemed appropriate in my life. I wanted to take the next step.”
The heartfelt revelation clip, titled ‘Josh's Truth’, went viral on digital platforms.
“My phone was flooded with encouraging words. It was overwhelming.”
Liverpool were among numerous famous teams around the world to express support for the player, with the coach at the time Jurgen Klopp saying: “I'm really thankful that he did it because it sparks conversation.”
Spanish player the athlete also offered support, writing on social media that “the world of football is far behind and you are helping us move forward”, while his former club released a comment backing their “extraordinary” and “brave” player.
Some people, however, were less welcoming.
The footballer soon turned into a target of anti-gay remarks by opposition fans.
During early 2022 Melbourne Victory were penalized five thousand dollars over anti-gay abuse from spectators aimed toward the player during a match.
“The comments I encountered were hurtful and derogatory 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 the athlete was assaulted by someone who recognised him from the coverage.
“It was terrifying,” he remembers. “The thought crossed my mind ‘this is happening - individuals intend to hurt me’.
“Should this be tolerated? Definitely not. But through my disclosure, these are the consequences.
“I hope that future individuals who comes out while playing football at a professional standard doesn't have to experience the journey I have endured.”
Cavallo says the constant menacing messages and hostile communications have affected his mental health.
“It's disappointing because I am having to explain 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 smiling, optimistic person. But sometimes when I rely on my partner, Leighton, and he gets to see much of what occurs behind the scenes.”
‘Top-tier athlete revealing orientation would create waves’
Cavallo's decision to disclose his orientation 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 zero publicly LGBTQ athletes in the Premier League.
“It would move mountains,” comments Cavallo on the effect a Premier League player revealing their orientation would have.
“But I'm not going to sugar-coat it. Numerous frightening aspects that would come this person's way. In the world of football, identifying as LGBTQ is a very toxic place.”
Twenty-seven years after a pioneering player - the UK's initial out soccer professional - took his own life in 1998, Cavallo has spoken about the “harmful male culture” that still exists in men's football.
“Simply attend to a match and see the hostile environment and male-dominated culture that the crowd brings,” he says.
“Much remains to be done to make sure there is a safe space in football for individuals like me and his colleague.
“We haven't seen it (additional athletes revealing their orientation) as frequently as desired.
“My role is to continue advocating for principles I believe in, and strive for eliminating the toxic masculinity in soccer locker rooms and establishing secure environments.”
‘I'm here to create change’
Cavallo received an honorary doctorate from an academic institution in Adelaide in 2022, honoring his efforts as a role model in sport and a advocate for fairness
The player says soccer has enabled discussions inside dressing rooms about coming out.
Yet, 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 similarly prohibited.
“Do I approve that the global championship is in countries that criminalise same-sex marriages, where individuals like myself will be imprisoned for merely living on that land? It's scary,” says the athlete.
“I get messages [from people living in these countries] saying ‘I face imprisonment for my identity - can you help me?’.
“It's devastating that people are getting locked up for being who they are.
“There are countries that are huge in terms of football and they don't accept the queer community. Those are the countries that tend to target me.”
Despite this, the footballer says he will not stop speaking up.
“Soccer has allowed me to start conversations in the locker room. It has allowed me to speak and inform individuals who want to learn more.
“Not everyone is going to like you for your identity. But I have found my family. I've connected with similar people.
“My mission is to drive progress. That's my objective.”
