Identifying as LGBTQ+ in Professional Soccer: An Unwelcoming Atmosphere

“You don't belong on this earth” ... “What are you doing here?” ... “Don't take another breath.”

After announcing his homosexuality in 2021, player Josh Cavallo has received daily death threats and abusive messages on social media.

“Upon reading those comments, it broke my heart,” 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 face criticism due to my identity. It's appalling.”

Midfielder the sportsman was playing for Adelaide United four years ago when he emerged as the sole publicly out top-flight male professional footballer in the world.

This summer he departed from Australia to sign with non-league Peterborough Sports, who play in front of crowds of about 400 in the sixth division, the sixth tier of the English soccer system.

The 25-year-old balances his sports career for the semi-professional team by advocating for LGBTQ+ issues and using his profile - he has more than one million followers on social media - to champion equality and inclusion.

“Definitely, there's enormous work ahead,” Cavallo comments when questioned about ongoing issues with homophobia.

“Rarely a week passes without encountering problems.”

‘People want to harm me’

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

“My only desire is compete in soccer and receive fair treatment,” he stated in an related clip.

The player was 21 and making a name for himself at his Australian club 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 needed to move forward.”

The heartfelt revelation clip, entitled ‘Josh's Truth’, gained massive attention on social media.

“My mobile phone exploded with encouraging words. The response was incredible.”

A prominent club were one of many high-profile clubs 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 now we talk again.”

Spanish player the athlete also expressed backing, posting online that “the world of football is far behind and your actions drive progress”, while his former club released a comment supporting their “remarkable” and “brave” player.

Some people, however, were less welcoming.

The footballer quickly became a target of homophobic abuse by rival supporters.

During early 2022 Melbourne Victory were fined A$5,000 over anti-gay abuse from fans aimed toward the player during a match.

“The comments I encountered were hurtful and disparaging towards LGBTQ people,” he says.

“I remained calm because I knew that would only feed the haters.”

A scary event occurred at a gas station in Australia, where Cavallo was assaulted by an individual who identified him from the coverage.

“It was terrifying,” he recalls. “I remember thinking ‘this is happening - individuals intend to hurt me’.

“Is it acceptable? Absolutely not. But by coming out, these are the consequences.

“My wish is that the next person who comes out while competing in soccer at a high level doesn't have to experience the journey I have experienced.”

The player says the constant menacing messages and abusive messages have taken a toll on his psychological well-being.

“It's quite sad because I am having to explain why I belong on the football field for being who I am,” he states.

“Heterosexual players aren't questioned and ask ‘what gives you the right in football?’.

“A lot of people see me as a smiling, optimistic person. But there are days when I rely on my partner, Leighton, and he gets to see much of what occurs privately.”

‘Premier League player coming out would move mountains’

The player's choice to disclose his orientation helped prompt teenage Blackpool forward Jake Daniels to come out as the Britain's sole publicly out playing soccer professional 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 make.

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

Over two decades after Justin Fashanu - Britain's first openly gay male footballer - took his own life in 1998, Cavallo has discussed the “toxic masculinity” that still exists in professional soccer.

“You just need to go to a match and see the hostile environment and male-dominated culture that the crowd brings,” he explains.

“Much remains to be done to make sure there is a secure environment in soccer for individuals like me and Jake.

“Progress has been limited (more players coming out) as much as we would like.

“I can only keep pushing for principles I believe in, and strive for eliminating the harmful male norms in football changing rooms and establishing secure environments.”

‘I'm here to create change’

The player says football has enabled discussions inside dressing rooms about coming out.

However, he is disapproving toward Fifa, after the Middle Eastern nation, where same-sex relationships are against the law, staged the global tournament in 2022.

Future World Cup is scheduled in Saudi Arabia, where same-sex attraction is similarly prohibited.

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

“I receive communications [from residents of such nations] saying ‘I'm about to be put in prison for being who I am - can you help me?’.

“It breaks my heart that people are getting locked up for being who they are.

“There are countries that are significant soccer markets and they don't accept LGBTQ+ people. These places that often focus on me.”

Despite this, the footballer 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've discovered support. I have found my community.

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