Identifying as LGBTQ+ in Professional Soccer: An Unwelcoming Atmosphere
“There's still so much to accomplish” - the athlete on homophobia in football
“You shouldn't exist” ... “What are you doing here?” ... “Don't take another breath.”
Since revealing he was gay in 2021, footballer Josh Cavallo has faced constant threats and hateful comments on online platforms.
“Upon reading those comments, I was devastated,” Cavallo explains. “Nobody should have to endure such words.
“I'm trying to get better as a player and be the best I can be during matches, and then face criticism because of who I am. It's appalling.”
Midfielder Cavallo was at Adelaide United four years ago when he became the only openly gay top-flight male professional footballer in the world.
This summer he departed from Australia to join lower-tier club 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 combines playing for the Cambridgeshire part-timers by speaking up on LGBTQ+ issues and using his profile - he has more than one million followers on social media - to champion equality and inclusion.
“Definitely, we've got mountains to do,” the footballer comments when questioned about ongoing issues with discrimination.
“Rarely a week passes without encountering problems.”
‘Individuals wish to hurt me’
Josh Cavallo grew up in Melbourne
It took years for Cavallo to build up the bravery to say “I'm gay” before coming out on 27 October 2021.
“My only desire is compete in soccer and be treated equally,” he stated in an accompanying video.
The player 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.
“I didn't know what was ahead. I had no expectations,” he recalls. “The moment seemed appropriate in my life. I wanted to take the next step.”
The heartfelt revelation clip, entitled ‘Josh's Truth’, went viral on digital platforms.
“My phone was flooded with encouraging words. It was overwhelming.”
A prominent club were one of many high-profile clubs around the world to show solidarity with Cavallo, with the coach at the time the German manager saying: “I'm really thankful that he did it because now we talk again.”
Spanish player the athlete also expressed backing, posting online that “the world of football is far behind and your actions drive progress”, while Adelaide United released a comment backing their “extraordinary” and “courageous” player.
Some people, however, were less welcoming.
Cavallo soon turned into a subject to anti-gay remarks by opposition fans.
During early 2022 Melbourne Victory were penalized five thousand dollars over anti-gay abuse from fans directed at Cavallo during a game.
“The things I'd hear were hurtful and disparaging towards my community,” he says.
“I remained calm because responding would encourage detractors.”
A scary event occurred at a petrol station in Australia, where Cavallo was assaulted by someone who recognised him from the coverage.
“It was terrifying,” he recalls. “The thought crossed my mind ‘this is happening - individuals intend to hurt me’.
“Should this be tolerated? Definitely not. But by coming out, this is what it brings.
“My wish is that the next person who reveals their orientation while playing football at a high level doesn't have to experience the journey I have experienced.”
The player says the constant menacing messages and hostile communications have affected his mental health.
“It's quite sad because I must justify why I deserve a place on the football field for being who I am,” he states.
“Heterosexual players aren't questioned and ask ‘why should you exist in football?’.
“Many individuals see me as a cheerful, positive person. But there are days when I lean on my fiance, Leighton, and he gets to see much of what occurs behind the scenes.”
‘Top-tier athlete revealing orientation would create waves’
The player's choice to disclose his orientation helped prompt 17-year-old Blackpool forward Jake Daniels to come out as the Britain's sole publicly out playing soccer professional in spring 2022.
However, there are zero publicly LGBTQ athletes in the top English division.
“It would move mountains,” says the footballer on the effect a elite athlete revealing their orientation would have.
“But I must be honest. There are a lot of scary things that would come this person's way. Within soccer culture, being an openly gay player is a highly hostile environment.”
Twenty-seven years after Justin Fashanu - Britain's first openly gay male footballer - died by suicide in 1998, Cavallo has discussed the “harmful male culture” that still exists in men's football.
“You just need to go to a match and see the unfriendly atmosphere and male-dominated culture that the audience creates,” he explains.
“Much remains to be done to ensure there is a secure environment in soccer 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 what I think is right, and strive for taking out the toxic masculinity in soccer locker rooms and creating a safe space.”
‘I'm here to create change’
The athlete was awarded an honorary degree from Flinders University in Adelaide in 2022, recognising his contributions as a role model in sport and a champion for equality
Cavallo says football has allowed him to have conversations inside dressing rooms about revealing one's orientation.
Yet, he is disapproving toward soccer's global governing body, after Qatar, where same-sex relationships are against the law, staged the global tournament in 2022.
The 2034 tournament will be held in Saudi Arabia, where same-sex attraction is also illegal.
“Do I approve that the global championship is in countries that criminalise same-sex marriages, where people like me will be imprisoned for merely living on that land? It's scary,” says Cavallo.
“I receive communications [from people living in these countries] saying ‘I face imprisonment for my identity - is assistance possible?’.
“It's devastating that individuals are incarcerated for being who they are.
“Certain nations that are significant soccer markets and they don't accept LGBTQ+ people. Those are the countries that often focus on me.”
Nevertheless, the footballer says he will not stop speaking up.
“Football has allowed me to start conversations in the changing room. It has allowed me to speak and educate people who seek understanding.
“Some will disapprove for your identity. But I have found my family. I have found my community.
“My purpose is to create change. That's what I'm here for.”
