“We've got mountains to do” - the athlete on homophobia in football
“You don't belong on this earth” ... “What are you doing here?” ... “Don't take another breath.”
Since revealing his homosexuality in 2021, player Josh Cavallo has received daily death 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 working to improve my skills and reach my full potential on the pitch, and then face criticism because of who I am. It's appalling.”
Midfielder the sportsman was at Adelaide United back in 2020 when he emerged as the sole publicly out elite soccer player in the world.
Recently he departed from Australia to sign with non-league Peterborough Sports, who compete before audiences of about 400 in the sixth division, one level below of English football.
This young athlete balances his sports career for the Cambridgeshire part-timers 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.
“Absolutely, there's enormous work ahead,” Cavallo says when questioned about ongoing issues with homophobia.
“Rarely a week passes without hearing about an issue.”
‘Individuals wish to hurt me’
The player was raised in Melbourne
It took years for Cavallo to work up the courage to say “I am homosexual” before coming out on October 27th, 2021.
“My only desire is play football and be treated equally,” he stated in an related clip.
The player was 21 and making a name for himself at Adelaide United in Australia's top flight when, with the support of his team-mates, he publicly came out.
“The future was uncertain. I didn't know what to expect,” he says. “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 encouraging words. It was overwhelming.”
Liverpool were among numerous famous teams around the world to express support for the player, with then manager the German manager saying: “I appreciate that he took this step because now we talk again.”
Spanish player Gerard Pique also offered support, writing on social media that “the world of football is lagging behind and you are helping us move forward”, while his former club released a comment supporting their “extraordinary” and “courageous” player.
Some people, however, were not so accepting.
Cavallo quickly became a subject to homophobic abuse by opposition fans.
During early 2022 Melbourne Victory were fined five thousand dollars over anti-gay abuse from fans aimed toward the player during a match.
“The things I'd hear were hurtful and derogatory towards LGBTQ people,” he explains.
“I didn't react because responding would encourage detractors.”
A scary event occurred at a petrol station in Australia, where Cavallo was physically attacked by an individual who identified him from the coverage.
“That was a scary moment,” he remembers. “I remember thinking ‘this is happening - people want to harm me’.
“Is it acceptable? Absolutely not. But by coming out, these are the consequences.
“My wish is that future individuals who comes out while playing football at a professional standard doesn't have to experience the path I have experienced.”
The player says the daily death threats and hostile communications have taken a toll on his mental health.
“It's disappointing because I am having to explain why I deserve a place on the soccer pitch for my identity,” he states.
“Heterosexual players aren't questioned and ask ‘why should you exist in football?’.
“Many individuals see me as a smiling, positive person. But there are days when I rely on my partner, his name, and he witnesses much of what occurs behind the scenes.”
‘Top-tier athlete revealing orientation would create waves’
The player's choice to disclose his orientation helped inspire teenage attacking player another athlete to come out as the Britain's sole publicly out playing soccer professional in spring 2022.
However, there are no openly gay or bisexual players in the Premier League.
“It would create massive change,” comments Cavallo on the impact a elite athlete revealing their orientation would have.
“But I must be honest. There are a lot of scary things that would await this individual. Within soccer culture, identifying as LGBTQ is a very toxic place.”
Over two decades after a pioneering player - the UK's initial out soccer professional - took his own life in 1998, Cavallo has discussed the “harmful male culture” that still exists in professional soccer.
“You just need to go to a game and observe the hostile environment and masculinity that the audience creates,” he says.
“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 much as we would like.
“My role is to continue advocating for principles I believe in, and work towards taking out the harmful male norms in soccer locker rooms and establishing secure environments.”
‘I'm here to create change’
Cavallo received an honorary doctorate from an academic institution in Adelaide in 2022, recognising his contributions as a inspirational figure in sport and a champion for equality
The player says soccer has enabled discussions within team environments about revealing one's orientation.
However, he is critical of Fifa, after the Middle Eastern nation, where same-sex relationships are illegal, hosted the men's World Cup in 2022.
Future World Cup will be held in another Gulf state, where same-sex attraction is also illegal.
“Do I approve that the global championship is in nations that ban gay unions, where people like me will be imprisoned for just existing on that land? It's scary,” says Cavallo.
“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 people are getting locked up for their true selves.
“Certain nations that are huge in terms of football and they don't accept the queer community. These places that often focus on me.”
Despite this, Cavallo says he will not stop speaking up.
“Soccer 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 who you are. But I have found my family. I have found my community.
“My mission is to create change. That's what I'm here for.”
