Identifying as LGBTQ+ in Professional Soccer: A Toxic Environment
“We've got mountains to do” - Cavallo on anti-gay prejudice in soccer
“You shouldn't exist” ... “What are you doing here?” ... “Stop breathing.”
After announcing his homosexuality in 2021, player the athlete 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 trying to get better as a player and reach my full potential during matches, and then get put down due to my identity. It's appalling.”
Player Cavallo was playing for Adelaide United back in 2020 when he became the only openly gay elite soccer player in the world.
Recently he left Australia to sign with lower-tier club Peterborough Sports, who compete before audiences of about 400 in National League North, one level below of the English soccer system.
This young athlete combines playing for the Cambridgeshire part-timers by speaking up on inclusion matters and leveraging his platform - boasting over a million followers on social media - to champion equality and acceptance.
“Absolutely, we've got mountains to do,” the footballer says when asked if football still has a problem with homophobia.
“I don't go more than a week without hearing about an issue.”
‘People want to harm me’
The player was raised in Melbourne
It took years for Cavallo to work up the courage to say “I am homosexual” before revealing his sexuality on 27 October 2021.
“All I want to do is play football 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, backed by his colleagues, he publicly came out.
“The future was uncertain. I didn't know what to expect,” he recalls. “The moment seemed appropriate in my life. I needed to move forward.”
The heartfelt revelation clip, titled ‘His Personal Story’, gained massive attention on social media.
“My mobile phone exploded with messages of support. It was overwhelming.”
Liverpool 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 now we talk again.”
Spanish player Gerard Pique also offered support, writing on social media that “soccer culture is lagging behind and your actions drive progress”, while Adelaide United released a comment backing their “remarkable” and “courageous” player.
Others, however, were less welcoming.
Cavallo quickly became a target of anti-gay remarks by opposition fans.
During early 2022 Melbourne Victory were fined five thousand dollars over anti-gay abuse from fans directed at Cavallo during a match.
“The comments I encountered were painful and disparaging towards LGBTQ people,” he explains.
“I didn't react because I knew that would only feed the haters.”
There was a frightening incident at a petrol station in Australia, where Cavallo was physically attacked by someone who recognised him from the coverage.
“That was a scary moment,” he recalls. “I remember thinking ‘this is real - people want to harm me’.
“Should this be tolerated? Absolutely not. But through my disclosure, 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 constant menacing messages and hostile communications have taken a toll on his mental health.
“It's disappointing because I must justify why I belong on the football field for being who I am,” he states.
“We don't sit straight people down and ask ‘what gives you the right in football?’.
“Many individuals see me as a cheerful, optimistic person. But sometimes when I lean on my fiance, Leighton, and he witnesses much of what occurs behind the scenes.”
‘Premier League player coming out would move mountains’
Cavallo's decision to disclose his orientation helped inspire 17-year-old Blackpool forward another athlete to come out as the UK's only openly gay playing soccer professional in May 2022.
However, there are no openly gay or bisexual players in the top English division.
“It would create massive change,” comments the footballer on the effect a Premier League player revealing their orientation would make.
“But I must be honest. There are a lot of scary things that would await this individual. Within soccer culture, being an openly gay player is a highly hostile environment.”
Over two decades after a pioneering player - the UK's initial out soccer professional - died by suicide in 1998, the current athlete has discussed the “toxic masculinity” that still exists in men's football.
“You just need to go to a game and observe the unfriendly atmosphere and masculinity that the crowd brings,” he says.
“Much remains to be done 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 much as we would like.
“I can only keep pushing for principles I believe in, and strive for eliminating the harmful male norms in soccer locker rooms and establishing secure environments.”
‘My mission is to drive progress’
Cavallo received an honorary doctorate from Flinders University in his former city in 2022, honoring his efforts as a inspirational figure in sport and a champion for equality
Cavallo says football has enabled discussions within team environments about revealing one's orientation.
However, he is critical of 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 same-sex attraction is also illegal.
“Am I impressed that the global championship is in countries that ban gay unions, where individuals like myself will be imprisoned for just existing on that land? It's scary,” states the athlete.
“I receive communications [from people living in these countries] 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 their true selves.
“There are countries that are huge in terms of football and they reject the queer community. Those are the countries that often focus on me.”
Despite this, Cavallo says he won't cease advocating.
“Football has enabled dialogue in the changing room. It lets me communicate and educate people who seek understanding.
“Some will disapprove for your identity. But I have found my family. I have found my community.
“My mission is to drive progress. That's my objective.”
