Being Gay in Professional Soccer: A Toxic Environment
“We've got mountains to do” - Cavallo on anti-gay prejudice in soccer
“You shouldn't exist” ... “Why are you here?” ... “Don't take another breath.”
Since revealing he was gay in 2021, footballer Josh Cavallo has faced constant threats and abusive messages on social media.
“Upon reading those comments, it broke my heart,” the player states. “Nobody should have to endure such words.
“I'm working to improve my skills and be the best I can be during matches, and then get put down because of who I am. It's disgusting.”
Midfielder Cavallo was at Adelaide United four years ago when he emerged as the sole publicly out top-flight male professional footballer in the world.
This summer he left Australia to join lower-tier club Peterborough Sports, who play in front of crowds of about 400 in the sixth division, one level below of the English soccer system.
The 25-year-old combines playing for the semi-professional team by speaking up on inclusion matters and leveraging his platform - boasting over a million followers on Instagram - to promote fairness and acceptance.
“Definitely, we've got mountains to do,” the footballer says when questioned about ongoing issues with homophobia.
“I don't go more than a week without encountering problems.”
‘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 compete in soccer and receive fair treatment,” he stated in an accompanying video.
Cavallo was twenty-one and building his reputation 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. “The moment seemed appropriate in my life. I needed to move forward.”
His emotional coming out video, entitled ‘Josh's Truth’, gained massive attention on digital platforms.
“My mobile phone exploded with messages of support. The response was incredible.”
A prominent club were among numerous famous teams around the world to show solidarity with Cavallo, with then manager the German manager saying: “I appreciate that he did it because it sparks conversation.”
Barcelona defender Gerard Pique also expressed backing, posting online that “the world of football is lagging behind and your actions drive progress”, while Adelaide United issued a statement backing their “extraordinary” and “courageous” player.
Others, however, were not so accepting.
Cavallo soon turned into a target of homophobic abuse by rival supporters.
In January 2022 a competing team were fined A$5,000 over anti-gay abuse from fans directed at Cavallo during a match.
“The comments I encountered were painful and derogatory towards my community,” he says.
“I didn't react because responding would encourage detractors.”
There was a frightening incident at a petrol station in Australia, where the athlete was assaulted by an individual who identified him from the media attention.
“That was a scary moment,” he remembers. “I remember thinking ‘this is happening - people want to harm me’.
“Should this be tolerated? Absolutely not. But through my disclosure, this is what it brings.
“I hope that the next person who comes out while competing in soccer at a high level won't face the path I have endured.”
The player says the daily death threats and hostile communications have taken a toll on his mental health.
“It's disappointing because I must justify why I deserve a place 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, positive 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 Blackpool forward Jake Daniels to announce he was gay as the UK's only openly gay playing soccer professional in May 2022.
Nevertheless, there are no openly gay or bisexual players in the top English division.
“It would move mountains,” says the footballer on the impact a elite athlete coming out would have.
“But I'm not going to sugar-coat it. Numerous frightening aspects that would await this individual. Within soccer culture, being an openly gay player is a very toxic place.”
Twenty-seven years after Justin Fashanu - the UK's initial out soccer professional - died by suicide in 1998, Cavallo has spoken about the “toxic masculinity” that persists in men's football.
“You just need to go to a match and see the hostile environment and masculinity that the audience creates,” he explains.
“Much remains to be done to make sure there is a safe space in football for individuals like me and Jake.
“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 eliminating the toxic masculinity 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, recognising his contributions as a inspirational figure in sport and a advocate for fairness
Cavallo says football has enabled discussions inside dressing rooms about revealing one's orientation.
Yet, he is disapproving toward Fifa, after Qatar, where homosexual partnerships are against the law, staged the global tournament in 2022.
Future World Cup will be held in Saudi Arabia, where homosexuality is similarly prohibited.
“Am I impressed that the global championship is in countries that criminalise same-sex marriages, where people like me will be imprisoned for just existing on that land? It's scary,” says Cavallo.
“I get messages [from people living in these countries] saying ‘I'm about to be put in prison for my identity - is assistance possible?’.
“It breaks my heart that people are getting locked up for their true selves.
“Certain nations that are huge in terms of football and they don't accept LGBTQ+ people. Those are the countries that often focus on me.”
Despite this, the footballer says he will not stop speaking up.
“Soccer has enabled dialogue in the locker room. It lets me communicate and educate people who seek understanding.
“Not everyone is going to like you for who you are. But I have found my family. I have found my community.
“My purpose is to create change. That's what I'm here for.”