Being Gay in Professional Soccer: An Unwelcoming Atmosphere
“We've got mountains to do” - Cavallo on anti-gay prejudice in football
“You shouldn't exist” ... “What are you doing here?” ... “Stop breathing.”
Since revealing his homosexuality in 2021, footballer the athlete has faced constant threats and hateful comments on online platforms.
“Upon reading those comments, it broke my heart,” Cavallo explains. “Nobody should have to endure such words.
“I'm trying to get better as a player and reach my full potential during matches, and then get put down because of who I am. It's appalling.”
Midfielder the sportsman was playing for Adelaide United four years ago when he emerged as the sole publicly out elite soccer player in the world.
This summer he left Australia to sign with non-league Peterborough Sports, who compete before audiences of about 400 in the sixth division, one level below of the English soccer system.
This young athlete combines playing for the semi-professional team by speaking up on inclusion matters and using his profile - he has more than one million followers on social media - to champion equality and inclusion.
“Absolutely, we've got mountains to do,” the footballer 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 the athlete to build up the bravery to say “I'm gay” before revealing his sexuality on October 27th, 2021.
“My only desire is compete in soccer and be treated equally,” he stated in an accompanying video.
The player 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.
“The future was uncertain. I had no expectations,” he says. “The moment seemed appropriate in my life. I wanted to take the next step.”
His emotional coming out video, entitled ‘His Personal Story’, gained massive attention on digital platforms.
“My mobile phone exploded with messages of support. The response was incredible.”
A prominent club were among numerous famous teams around the world to express support for the player, with the coach at the time the German manager saying: “I'm really thankful that he did it because now we talk again.”
Spanish player Gerard Pique also expressed backing, writing on social media that “soccer culture is lagging behind and your actions drive progress”, while Adelaide United issued a statement supporting their “remarkable” and “courageous” player.
Some people, however, were not so accepting.
The footballer soon turned into a subject to anti-gay remarks by opposition fans.
In January 2022 Melbourne Victory were penalized five thousand dollars over anti-gay abuse from spectators aimed toward Cavallo during a match.
“The comments I encountered were hurtful and disparaging towards my community,” he explains.
“I didn't react because responding would encourage detractors.”
There was a frightening incident at a petrol station in Australia, where the athlete was assaulted by someone who recognised 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? Definitely not. But through my disclosure, this is what it brings.
“I hope that future individuals who reveals their orientation while competing in soccer at a high level doesn't have to experience the path I have experienced.”
Cavallo says the constant menacing messages 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 being who I am,” he says.
“We don't sit straight people down and ask ‘why should you exist in football?’.
“Many individuals see me as a smiling, positive person. But sometimes when I rely on my partner, his name, and he gets to see much of what occurs privately.”
‘Top-tier athlete revealing orientation would create waves’
Cavallo's decision to reveal his sexuality helped prompt 17-year-old attacking player another athlete to come out as the Britain's sole publicly out active male professional footballer in May 2022.
Nevertheless, there are no openly gay or bisexual players in the Premier League.
“It would move mountains,” says the footballer on the effect a elite athlete coming out would have.
“But I must be honest. Numerous frightening aspects that would await this individual. Within soccer culture, being an openly gay player is a very toxic place.”
Twenty-seven years after Justin Fashanu - Britain's first openly gay male footballer - took his own life in 1998, the current athlete has discussed the “toxic masculinity” that still exists in men's football.
“Simply attend to a game and observe the unfriendly atmosphere and masculinity that the audience creates,” he says.
“There is still a lot of work to ensure there is a secure environment in football for people like myself and Jake.
“We haven't seen it (more players coming out) as frequently as desired.
“I can only keep pushing for principles I believe in, and work towards eliminating the toxic masculinity in soccer locker rooms and creating a safe space.”
‘I'm here to create change’
The athlete was awarded an honorary degree from Flinders University in his former city in 2022, honoring his efforts as a role model in sport and a champion for equality
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 the Middle Eastern nation, where homosexual partnerships are illegal, staged the global tournament in 2022.
The 2034 tournament will be held in another Gulf state, where homosexuality is also illegal.
“Do I approve that the global championship is in nations that criminalise same-sex marriages, where people like me will be imprisoned for just existing on their territory? It's frightening,” states Cavallo.
“I get messages [from people living in these countries] saying ‘I face imprisonment for my identity - can you help me?’.
“It's devastating that people are getting locked up for their true selves.
“Certain nations that are huge in terms of football and they don't accept LGBTQ+ people. These places that tend to target me.”
Nevertheless, the footballer says he won't cease advocating.
“Football has allowed me to start conversations in the changing room. It has allowed me to speak and educate people who seek understanding.
“Not everyone is going to like you for your identity. But I have found my family. I've connected with similar people.
“My mission is to create change. That's my objective.”
