Identifying as LGBTQ+ in Men's Football: An Unwelcoming Atmosphere
“There's still so much to accomplish” - the athlete on homophobia in soccer
“You don't belong on this earth” ... “What are you doing here?” ... “Don't take another breath.”
After announcing his homosexuality in 2021, footballer Josh Cavallo has faced constant threats and hateful comments on online platforms.
“Upon reading those comments, it broke my heart,” Cavallo explains. “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 because of who I am. It's disgusting.”
Player Cavallo was at Adelaide United four years ago when he emerged as the sole publicly out elite soccer player in the world.
This summer he left Australia to join non-league Peterborough Sports, who compete before audiences of about 400 in the sixth division, one level below of English football.
The 25-year-old combines playing for the semi-professional team by speaking up on inclusion matters and using his profile - boasting over a million followers on Instagram - to promote fairness and acceptance.
“Definitely, we've got mountains to do,” Cavallo comments when asked if football still has a problem with discrimination.
“Rarely a week passes without hearing about an issue.”
‘Individuals wish to hurt me’
Josh Cavallo grew up in Melbourne
Several years passed for the athlete to work up the courage to say “I'm gay” before revealing his sexuality on October 27th, 2021.
“All I want to do is compete in soccer and be treated equally,” he stated in an related clip.
Cavallo was 21 and building his reputation at Adelaide United in the premier division when, backed by his colleagues, he publicly came out.
“The future was uncertain. I had no expectations,” he recalls. “It felt like the right time in my life. I needed to move forward.”
His emotional coming out video, entitled ‘His Personal Story’, gained massive attention on digital platforms.
“My phone was flooded with messages of support. 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 appreciate that he took this step because now we talk again.”
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 Adelaide United issued a statement backing their “remarkable” and “courageous” player.
Some people, however, were less welcoming.
The footballer quickly became a subject to anti-gay remarks by opposition fans.
In January 2022 a competing team were penalized five thousand dollars over anti-gay abuse from spectators directed at Cavallo during a game.
“The comments I encountered were painful and disparaging towards my community,” he explains.
“I remained calm because I knew that would only feed the haters.”
A scary event occurred at a petrol station in Australia, where Cavallo was assaulted by an individual who identified him from the coverage.
“That was a scary moment,” he recalls. “I remember thinking ‘this is happening - individuals intend to hurt me’.
“Is it acceptable? Definitely not. But by coming out, this is what it brings.
“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 endured.”
Cavallo says the constant menacing messages and abusive messages have affected his mental health.
“It's quite sad because I must justify why I belong on the soccer pitch for being who I am,” he states.
“We don't sit straight people down and ask ‘what gives you the right in football?’.
“A lot of people see me as a smiling, positive person. But there are days when I rely on my partner, his name, and he gets to see a lot that happens privately.”
‘Top-tier athlete revealing orientation would create waves’
Cavallo's decision 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.
Nevertheless, there are zero publicly LGBTQ athletes in the top English division.
“It would move mountains,” comments Cavallo on the effect a elite athlete coming out would have.
“But I'm not going to sugar-coat it. Numerous frightening aspects that would come this person's way. Within soccer culture, being an openly gay player 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, the current athlete has discussed the “harmful male culture” that persists in men's football.
“You just need to go to a match and observe the unfriendly atmosphere and male-dominated culture that the crowd brings,” he explains.
“Much remains to be done to ensure there is a safe space in soccer for individuals like me and his colleague.
“We haven't seen it (more players coming out) as frequently as desired.
“I can only keep pushing for principles I believe in, and work towards taking out the harmful male norms in football changing rooms and establishing secure environments.”
‘I'm here to create change’
The athlete was awarded an honorary degree from an academic institution in his former city in 2022, recognising his contributions as a inspirational figure in sport and a champion for equality
The player says football has allowed him to have conversations within team environments about revealing one's orientation.
Yet, he is disapproving toward Fifa, after Qatar, where same-sex relationships are against the law, hosted the men's World Cup in 2022.
The 2034 tournament will be held 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 individuals like myself will be put in prison for just existing on their territory? It's scary,” states Cavallo.
“I get messages [from residents of such nations] saying ‘I face imprisonment for being who I am - can you help me?’.
“It's devastating 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 often focus on me.”
Nevertheless, the footballer says he won't cease advocating.
“Football has allowed me to start conversations in the locker room. It has allowed me to speak and educate people who seek understanding.
“Not everyone is going to like you 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.”
