🔗 Share this article

“You shouldn't exist” ... “Why are you here?” ... “Don't take another breath.”

After announcing his homosexuality in 2021, player Josh Cavallo has faced constant threats and hateful comments on online platforms.

“Upon reading those comments, I was devastated,” Cavallo explains. “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 face criticism due to my identity. It's appalling.”

Midfielder Cavallo was at Adelaide United back in 2020 when he became the only openly gay top-flight male professional footballer 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, the sixth tier of English football.

The 25-year-old combines playing for the Cambridgeshire part-timers by speaking up on inclusion matters and using his profile - boasting over a million followers on social media - to promote fairness and acceptance.

“Definitely, there's enormous work ahead,” the footballer comments when questioned about ongoing issues with discrimination.

“I don't go more than a week without hearing about an issue.”

‘Individuals wish to hurt me’

It took years for the athlete to build up the bravery to say “I am homosexual” before coming out on 27 October 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, with the support of his team-mates, he publicly came out.

“The future was uncertain. I didn't know what to expect,” he says. “The moment seemed appropriate in my life. I wanted to take the next step.”

His emotional coming out video, titled ‘His Personal Story’, went viral on digital platforms.

“My phone was flooded with messages of support. It was overwhelming.”

A prominent club were among numerous famous teams around the world to show solidarity with the player, with then manager the German manager saying: “I appreciate that he took this step because now we talk again.”

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique also offered support, writing on social media that “the world of football is lagging behind and your actions drive progress”, while Adelaide United released a comment backing their “extraordinary” and “brave” player.

Others, however, were less welcoming.

The footballer quickly became a target of homophobic abuse by opposition fans.

During early 2022 a competing team were penalized A$5,000 over anti-gay abuse from fans aimed toward Cavallo during a match.

“The things I'd hear were hurtful and disparaging towards LGBTQ people,” he says.

“I didn't react because responding would encourage detractors.”

There was a frightening incident at a gas station in Australia, where Cavallo was physically attacked by an individual who identified him from the coverage.

“That was a scary moment,” he recalls. “The thought crossed my mind ‘this is real - individuals intend to hurt me’.

“Is it acceptable? Absolutely 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 professional standard doesn't have to experience the journey I have experienced.”

Cavallo says the constant menacing messages and abusive messages have affected his mental health.

“It's quite sad because I am having to explain why I belong on the football field for my identity,” he says.

“We don't sit straight people down and ask ‘what gives you the right in football?’.

“A lot of people see me as a cheerful, positive person. But there are days when I rely on my partner, Leighton, and he gets to see much of what occurs behind the scenes.”

‘Premier League player coming out would move mountains’

The player's choice to disclose his orientation helped prompt teenage Blackpool forward another athlete to announce he was gay as the UK's only openly gay active male professional footballer in spring 2022.

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

“It would move mountains,” comments the footballer on the impact a Premier League player coming out would make.

“But I'm not going to sugar-coat it. Numerous frightening aspects that would come this person's way. 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, the current athlete has spoken about the “harmful male culture” that still exists in men's football.

“Simply attend to a game and see the hostile environment and male-dominated culture that the crowd brings,” he explains.

“There is still a lot of work to make sure there is a safe space in football 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 what I think is right, and work towards eliminating the toxic masculinity in soccer locker rooms and creating a safe space.”

‘I'm here to create change’

The player says soccer has allowed him to have conversations within team environments about coming out.

Yet, he is disapproving toward soccer's global governing body, after Qatar, where same-sex relationships are illegal, staged the global tournament in 2022.

Future World Cup is scheduled in another Gulf state, where homosexuality is similarly prohibited.

“Am I impressed that the global championship is in countries that ban gay unions, where individuals like myself will be put in prison for merely living on their territory? It's frightening,” states Cavallo.

“I get messages [from residents of such nations] saying ‘I'm about to be put in prison for my identity - is assistance possible?’.

“It's devastating that people are getting locked up 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, Cavallo says he won't cease advocating.

“Soccer has allowed me to start conversations in the changing room. It lets me communicate and educate people who seek understanding.

“Some will disapprove for who you are. But I have found my family. I've connected with similar people.

“My mission is to create change. That's my objective.”