Identifying as LGBTQ+ in Professional Soccer: A Toxic Environment
“There's still so much to accomplish” - Cavallo on anti-gay prejudice in soccer
“You shouldn't exist” ... “Why are you here?” ... “Stop breathing.”
After announcing he was gay in 2021, player Josh Cavallo has faced constant threats and abusive messages on online platforms.
“When I first saw these messages, I was devastated,” Cavallo explains. “No-one wants to read things like that.
“I'm trying to get better as a player and reach my full potential during matches, and then get put down due to my identity. It's appalling.”
Midfielder Cavallo was playing for Adelaide United back in 2020 when he became the only openly gay 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, the sixth tier of English football.
This young athlete combines playing for the Cambridgeshire part-timers by advocating for inclusion matters and leveraging his platform - boasting over a million followers on social media - to champion equality and inclusion.
“Definitely, there's enormous work ahead,” the footballer says when questioned about ongoing issues with homophobia.
“Rarely a week passes without encountering problems.”
‘Individuals wish to hurt me’
Josh Cavallo grew up in Melbourne
Several years passed for the athlete to build up the bravery to say “I am homosexual” before revealing his sexuality on 27 October 2021.
“All I want to do is compete in soccer and receive fair treatment,” he stated in an accompanying video.
Cavallo was 21 and making a name for himself at his Australian club in Australia's top flight when, backed by his colleagues, he publicly came out.
“I didn't know what was ahead. I didn't know what to expect,” he recalls. “It felt like the right time in my life. I wanted to take the next step.”
His emotional coming out video, titled ‘His Personal Story’, went viral on social media.
“My mobile phone exploded with messages of support. The response was incredible.”
Liverpool were one of many high-profile clubs around the world to express support for Cavallo, with then manager Jurgen Klopp saying: “I'm really thankful that he took this step because it sparks conversation.”
Barcelona defender Gerard Pique also expressed backing, writing on social media that “soccer culture is lagging behind and you are helping us move forward”, while Adelaide United issued a statement backing their “extraordinary” and “courageous” player.
Others, however, were less welcoming.
Cavallo quickly became a subject to anti-gay remarks by rival supporters.
During early 2022 a competing team were penalized A$5,000 over discriminatory chants from fans directed at Cavallo during a game.
“The comments I encountered were painful and disparaging towards LGBTQ people,” he says.
“I didn't react because I knew that would only feed the haters.”
A scary event occurred at a petrol station in Australia, where Cavallo was physically attacked by someone who recognised him from the coverage.
“It was terrifying,” he remembers. “I remember thinking ‘this is happening - people want to harm me’.
“Should this be tolerated? Definitely not. But by coming out, this is what it brings.
“I hope that future individuals 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 mental health.
“It's disappointing because I am having to explain why I deserve a place on the football field for being who I am,” he states.
“Heterosexual players aren't questioned and ask ‘what gives you the right in football?’.
“A lot of people see me as a smiling, positive person. But sometimes when I rely on my partner, Leighton, and he gets to see much of what occurs behind the scenes.”
‘Premier League player coming out would move mountains’
The player's choice to disclose his orientation helped inspire 17-year-old attacking player Jake Daniels to announce he was gay as the Britain's sole publicly out playing soccer professional in May 2022.
However, there are no openly gay or bisexual players in the top English division.
“It would move mountains,” comments the footballer on the impact a elite athlete revealing their orientation would make.
“But I must be honest. There are a lot of scary things that would come this person's way. In the world of football, identifying as LGBTQ 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 spoken about the “toxic masculinity” that still exists in professional soccer.
“Simply attend to a match and see the hostile environment and masculinity that the audience creates,” he says.
“There is still a lot of work to make sure there is a secure environment in soccer for people like myself and his colleague.
“We haven't seen it (more players coming out) as much as we would like.
“I can only keep pushing for what I think is right, and work towards taking out the harmful male norms in football changing rooms and creating a safe space.”
‘I'm here to create change’
The athlete was awarded an honorary degree from an academic institution in his former city in 2022, honoring his efforts as a role model in athletics and a advocate for fairness
Cavallo says football has enabled discussions inside dressing rooms about revealing one's orientation.
However, he is disapproving toward soccer's global governing body, after the Middle Eastern nation, where homosexual partnerships are illegal, hosted the men's World Cup in 2022.
The 2034 tournament will be held in Saudi Arabia, where homosexuality is similarly prohibited.
“Do I approve that the global championship is in countries that criminalise same-sex marriages, where people like me will be imprisoned for just existing on their territory? It's frightening,” says the athlete.
“I get messages [from residents of such nations] saying ‘I face imprisonment 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 don't accept LGBTQ+ people. These places 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 inform individuals who seek understanding.
“Not everyone is going to like you 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.”
