Being Gay in Men's Football: A Toxic Environment
“There's still so much to accomplish” - Cavallo on anti-gay prejudice in football
“You shouldn't exist” ... “Why are you here?” ... “Don't take another breath.”
After announcing he was gay in 2021, footballer Josh Cavallo has faced constant threats and abusive messages on social media.
“When I first saw these messages, I was devastated,” the player states. “No-one wants to read things like that.
“I'm trying to get better as a player and be the best I can be during matches, and then get put down due to my identity. It's appalling.”
Midfielder the sportsman was at Adelaide United four years ago when he emerged as the sole publicly out top-flight male professional footballer in the world.
Recently he left Australia to sign with non-league Peterborough Sports, who play in front of crowds of about 400 in the sixth division, one level below of the English soccer system.
This young athlete balances his sports career for the semi-professional team by speaking up on inclusion matters and leveraging his platform - he has more than one million followers on social media - to champion equality and inclusion.
“Definitely, there's enormous work ahead,” Cavallo says when asked if football still has a problem with homophobia.
“Rarely a week passes without encountering problems.”
‘Individuals wish to hurt me’
The player was raised in Melbourne
Several years passed for Cavallo to build up the bravery to say “I am homosexual” before revealing his sexuality on 27 October 2021.
“All I want to do is play football and receive fair treatment,” he stated in an related clip.
The player was twenty-one and building his reputation 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 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, titled ‘Josh's Truth’, gained massive attention on digital platforms.
“My mobile phone exploded with messages of support. The response was incredible.”
Liverpool were among numerous famous teams around the world to express support for Cavallo, with the coach at the time Jurgen Klopp saying: “I appreciate that he took this step because it sparks conversation.”
Spanish player the athlete also expressed backing, posting online that “soccer culture is far behind and you are helping us move forward”, while his former club issued a statement backing their “remarkable” and “brave” player.
Others, however, were not so accepting.
The footballer quickly became a target of homophobic abuse by rival supporters.
During early 2022 Melbourne Victory were fined five thousand dollars over discriminatory chants from fans aimed toward the player during a match.
“The things I'd hear were hurtful and derogatory towards LGBTQ people,” he explains.
“I remained calm because I knew that would only feed the haters.”
There was a frightening incident at a gas station in Australia, where Cavallo was assaulted by someone who recognised him from the media attention.
“That was a scary moment,” he recalls. “I remember thinking ‘this is happening - people want to harm me’.
“Is it acceptable? Definitely not. But by coming out, this is what it brings.
“My wish is that future individuals who reveals their orientation while competing in soccer at a high level doesn't have to experience the journey I have endured.”
Cavallo says the constant menacing messages and abusive messages have affected his mental health.
“It's disappointing because I am having to explain why I deserve a place on the football field for my identity,” he says.
“Heterosexual players aren't questioned and ask ‘what gives you the right in football?’.
“Many individuals see me as a smiling, positive person. But there are days when I lean on my fiance, Leighton, and he witnesses a lot that happens privately.”
‘Top-tier athlete revealing orientation would create waves’
The player's choice to disclose his orientation helped inspire teenage Blackpool forward Jake Daniels to come out as the UK's only openly gay active male professional footballer in May 2022.
However, there are no openly gay or bisexual players in the Premier League.
“It would create massive change,” comments the footballer on the effect a Premier League player coming out would have.
“But I must be honest. Numerous frightening aspects that would come this person's way. Within soccer culture, identifying as LGBTQ is a highly hostile environment.”
Over two decades after Justin Fashanu - the UK's initial out soccer professional - took his own life in 1998, Cavallo has discussed the “toxic masculinity” that persists in men's football.
“You just need to go to a game and observe the unfriendly atmosphere and masculinity that the audience creates,” he says.
“Much remains to be done to ensure there is a safe space in football 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 principles I believe in, and work towards eliminating the harmful male norms in football changing rooms and creating a safe space.”
‘I'm here to create change’
Cavallo received an honorary doctorate from Flinders University in Adelaide in 2022, recognising his contributions as a inspirational figure in athletics and a advocate for fairness
The player says soccer has enabled discussions inside dressing rooms about revealing one's orientation.
Yet, he is critical of 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 also illegal.
“Am I impressed 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 frightening,” states Cavallo.
“I get messages [from people living in these countries] saying ‘I'm about to be put in prison for being who I am - is assistance possible?’.
“It breaks my heart that individuals are incarcerated for their true selves.
“Certain nations that are significant soccer markets and they don't accept LGBTQ+ people. These places that often focus on me.”
Despite this, Cavallo says he won't cease advocating.
“Football has enabled dialogue in the locker room. It lets me communicate and inform individuals who seek understanding.
“Some will disapprove for your identity. But I have found my family. I've connected with similar people.
“My purpose is to drive progress. That's what I'm here for.”
