Identifying as LGBTQ+ in Men's Football: An Unwelcoming Atmosphere

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

Since revealing he was gay in 2021, player Josh Cavallo has faced constant threats and hateful comments on online platforms.

“Upon reading those comments, I was devastated,” the player explains. “Nobody should have to endure such words.

“I'm working to improve my skills and reach my full potential during matches, and then face criticism due to my identity. It's appalling.”

Midfielder the sportsman was at Adelaide United four years ago when he became the only openly gay top-flight male professional footballer in the world.

This summer he departed from Australia to join lower-tier club Peterborough Sports, who play in front of crowds of about 400 in the sixth division, the sixth tier of English football.

This young athlete combines playing for the Cambridgeshire part-timers by advocating for inclusion matters and using his profile - boasting over a million followers on Instagram - to champion equality and acceptance.

“Definitely, we've got mountains to do,” Cavallo comments when asked if football still has a problem with discrimination.

“Rarely a week passes without hearing about an issue.”

‘Individuals wish to hurt me’

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

“All I want to do is compete in soccer and be treated equally,” he stated in an accompanying video.

Cavallo was 21 and making a name for himself at Adelaide United in the premier division when, with the support of his team-mates, he publicly came out.

“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 needed to move forward.”

His emotional coming out video, entitled ‘Josh's Truth’, went viral on social media.

“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 Cavallo, with the coach at the time Jurgen Klopp saying: “I appreciate that he did it because it sparks conversation.”

Spanish player the athlete also expressed backing, writing on social media that “the world of football is lagging behind and you are helping us move forward”, while Adelaide United released a comment backing their “extraordinary” and “courageous” player.

Some people, however, were less welcoming.

Cavallo soon turned into a target of homophobic abuse by opposition fans.

During early 2022 Melbourne Victory were penalized five thousand dollars over anti-gay abuse from spectators aimed toward Cavallo during a game.

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

“I remained calm because responding would encourage detractors.”

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

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

“Is it acceptable? Absolutely not. But through my disclosure, this is what it brings.

“I hope that the next person who reveals their orientation while competing in soccer at a professional standard won't face the path I have endured.”

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

“It's disappointing because I am having to explain why I deserve a place on the soccer pitch for my identity,” he states.

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

“Many individuals see me as a cheerful, positive person. But sometimes when I lean on my fiance, his name, and he gets to see much of what occurs behind the scenes.”

‘Top-tier athlete revealing orientation would create waves’

The player's choice to disclose his orientation helped prompt 17-year-old attacking player Jake Daniels to announce he was gay 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 create massive change,” says Cavallo on the effect a Premier League player revealing their orientation would have.

“But I must be honest. Numerous frightening aspects that would come this person's way. In the world of football, identifying as LGBTQ is a very toxic place.”

Over two decades after Justin Fashanu - Britain's first openly gay male footballer - died by suicide in 1998, the current athlete has spoken about the “harmful male culture” that still exists in men's football.

“You just need to go to a match and observe the unfriendly atmosphere and masculinity that the crowd brings,” he explains.

“Much remains to be done to make sure there is a safe space in football for people like myself 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 taking out the toxic masculinity in football changing rooms and creating a safe space.”

‘I'm here to create change’

Cavallo says football has allowed him to have conversations within team environments about coming out.

However, he is critical of Fifa, after Qatar, where same-sex relationships are illegal, hosted the men's World Cup in 2022.

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

“Do I approve that the global championship is in nations that criminalise same-sex marriages, where people like me will be imprisoned for merely living on that land? It's frightening,” says Cavallo.

“I get messages [from people living in these countries] 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 don't accept the queer community. These places that often focus on me.”

Nevertheless, the footballer says he will not stop speaking up.

“Soccer has enabled dialogue in the locker room. It lets me communicate and inform individuals 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 purpose is to drive progress. That's what I'm here for.”