🔗 Share this article

“You shouldn't exist” ... “What are you doing here?” ... “Stop breathing.”

After announcing his homosexuality in 2021, player Josh Cavallo has faced constant threats and abusive messages on social media.

“When I first saw these messages, it broke my heart,” Cavallo states. “No-one wants to read things like that.

“I'm working to improve my skills 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 playing for Adelaide United four years ago when he became the only openly gay elite soccer player in the world.

This summer he left Australia to sign with lower-tier club Peterborough Sports, who play in front of crowds of about 400 in the sixth division, the sixth tier 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 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 hearing about an issue.”

‘People want to harm me’

Several years passed for Cavallo to build up the bravery to say “I'm gay” before coming out on October 27th, 2021.

“My only desire is compete in soccer and be treated equally,” he stated in an accompanying video.

Cavallo was twenty-one and making a name for himself at Adelaide United in the premier division when, with the support of his team-mates, he announced his orientation publicly.

“I didn't know what was ahead. 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.”

The heartfelt revelation clip, entitled ‘His Personal Story’, gained massive attention on social media.

“My mobile phone exploded with encouraging words. It was overwhelming.”

A prominent club were among numerous famous teams around the world to show solidarity with Cavallo, with then manager Jurgen Klopp saying: “I'm really thankful that he did it because it sparks conversation.”

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique also offered support, posting online that “soccer culture is lagging behind and you are helping us move forward”, while Adelaide United issued a statement supporting their “remarkable” and “courageous” player.

Others, however, were less welcoming.

Cavallo soon turned into a subject to homophobic abuse by opposition fans.

In January 2022 a competing team were penalized five thousand dollars over anti-gay abuse from spectators aimed toward the player during a match.

“The comments I encountered were hurtful and disparaging towards my community,” he explains.

“I didn't react 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 an individual who identified him from the coverage.

“It was terrifying,” he recalls. “The thought crossed my mind ‘this is real - individuals intend to hurt me’.

“Is it acceptable? Definitely not. But by coming out, this is what it brings.

“I hope that the next person who comes out while playing football at a high level doesn't have to experience the journey I have endured.”

The player says the daily death threats and hostile communications have taken a toll on his mental health.

“It's quite sad because I must justify 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?’.

“A lot of people see me as a smiling, positive person. But there are days when I lean on my fiance, Leighton, and he witnesses much of what occurs privately.”

‘Premier League player coming out would move mountains’

Cavallo's decision to disclose his orientation helped inspire 17-year-old attacking player another athlete to come out as the UK's only openly gay active male professional footballer in May 2022.

Nevertheless, there are no openly gay or bisexual players in the top English division.

“It would move mountains,” comments Cavallo on the effect a elite athlete coming out would have.

“But I must be honest. Numerous frightening aspects that would await this individual. In the world of football, being an openly gay player is a highly hostile environment.”

Twenty-seven years after Justin Fashanu - Britain's first openly gay male footballer - took his own life 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 unfriendly atmosphere and masculinity that the crowd brings,” he explains.

“There is still a lot of work to ensure there is a safe space in soccer for individuals like me and Jake.

“We haven't seen it (more players coming out) as frequently as desired.

“My role is to continue advocating for principles I believe in, and work towards taking out the toxic masculinity in football changing rooms and establishing secure environments.”

‘My mission is to drive progress’

Cavallo says soccer has enabled discussions inside dressing rooms about revealing one's orientation.

However, he is critical of soccer's global governing body, after the Middle Eastern nation, where homosexual partnerships are against the law, staged the global tournament in 2022.

The 2034 tournament will be held in another Gulf state, where homosexuality is similarly prohibited.

“Do I approve that the World Cup is in countries that criminalise same-sex marriages, where individuals like myself will be imprisoned for just existing on that land? It's scary,” states the athlete.

“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 being who they are.

“Certain nations that are significant soccer markets and they reject the queer community. 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 educate people who seek understanding.

“Some will disapprove for your identity. But I have found my family. I've connected with similar people.

“My mission is to create change. That's what I'm here for.”