Identifying as LGBTQ+ in Men's Football: A Toxic Environment
“There's still so much to accomplish” - Cavallo on homophobia in football
“You don't belong on this earth” ... “Why are you here?” ... “Stop breathing.”
Since revealing his homosexuality in 2021, player the athlete has received daily death threats and abusive messages on social media.
“Upon reading those comments, it broke my heart,” Cavallo explains. “No-one wants to read things like that.
“I'm trying to get better as a player and be the best I can be on the pitch, and then face criticism because of who I am. It's appalling.”
Player the sportsman was at Adelaide United four years ago when he became the only openly gay top-flight male professional footballer in the world.
Recently he left Australia to sign with non-league Peterborough Sports, who compete before audiences 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 speaking up on inclusion matters and using his profile - he has more than one million followers on social media - to promote fairness and inclusion.
“Absolutely, we've got mountains to do,” the footballer says when questioned about ongoing issues with homophobia.
“I don't go more than a week without encountering problems.”
‘People want to harm me’
The player was raised in Melbourne
Several years passed for Cavallo to build up the bravery to say “I'm gay” before revealing his sexuality on October 27th, 2021.
“All I want to do is compete in soccer and receive fair treatment,” he stated in an accompanying video.
The player was 21 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 had no expectations,” he recalls. “The moment seemed appropriate in my life. I wanted to take the next step.”
The heartfelt revelation clip, titled ‘His Personal Story’, went viral on social media.
“My phone was flooded with encouraging words. It was overwhelming.”
A prominent club were one of many high-profile clubs around the world to express support for Cavallo, with then manager the German manager saying: “I appreciate that he did it because now we talk again.”
Spanish player Gerard Pique also expressed backing, posting online that “the world of football is far behind and your actions drive progress”, while Adelaide United issued a statement supporting their “extraordinary” and “courageous” player.
Some people, however, were not so accepting.
The footballer soon turned into a target of anti-gay remarks by rival supporters.
In January 2022 Melbourne Victory were penalized five thousand dollars over anti-gay abuse from spectators directed at the player during a match.
“The comments I encountered were hurtful and disparaging towards LGBTQ people,” he says.
“I remained calm 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 media attention.
“That was a scary moment,” he recalls. “I remember thinking ‘this is happening - people want to harm me’.
“Should this be tolerated? Absolutely not. But through my disclosure, these are the consequences.
“I hope that the next person who comes out while competing in soccer at a high level won't face the path I have experienced.”
Cavallo says the constant menacing messages and abusive messages have affected his mental health.
“It's disappointing because I am having to explain why I belong on the soccer pitch for being who I am,” he states.
“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 sometimes when I lean on my fiance, his name, and he witnesses a lot that happens privately.”
‘Top-tier athlete revealing orientation would create waves’
Cavallo's decision to disclose his orientation helped prompt 17-year-old Blackpool forward another athlete to come out as the UK's only openly gay active male professional footballer in spring 2022.
Nevertheless, there are zero publicly LGBTQ athletes in the top English division.
“It would move mountains,” comments the footballer on the impact a elite athlete coming out would make.
“But I'm not going to sugar-coat it. Numerous frightening aspects that would come this person's way. In the world of football, identifying as LGBTQ is a very toxic place.”
Twenty-seven years after a pioneering player - the UK's initial out soccer professional - died by suicide in 1998, the current athlete has spoken about the “toxic masculinity” that persists in men's football.
“Simply attend to a match and observe the hostile environment and male-dominated culture that the crowd brings,” he explains.
“There is still a lot of work to ensure there is a safe space in soccer for individuals like me and Jake.
“Progress has been limited (additional athletes revealing their orientation) as frequently as desired.
“I can only keep pushing for principles I believe in, and work towards taking out the toxic masculinity in football changing rooms and establishing secure environments.”
‘I'm here to create change’
The athlete was awarded an honorary degree from an academic institution in his former city in 2022, recognising his contributions as a role model in athletics and a advocate for fairness
Cavallo says soccer has allowed him to have conversations within team environments about revealing one's orientation.
Yet, he is critical of Fifa, after Qatar, where homosexual partnerships are against the law, staged the global tournament in 2022.
Future World Cup will be held in Saudi Arabia, where homosexuality is similarly prohibited.
“Do I approve that the World Cup is in nations that criminalise same-sex marriages, where individuals like myself will be imprisoned for just existing on their territory? It's scary,” states Cavallo.
“I get messages [from residents of such nations] saying ‘I face imprisonment for being who I am - is assistance possible?’.
“It's devastating that people are getting locked up for being who they are.
“Certain nations that are huge in terms of football and they reject the queer community. These places that often focus on me.”
Nevertheless, the footballer says he won't cease advocating.
“Soccer has enabled dialogue in the locker room. It lets me communicate and educate people who want to learn more.
“Some will disapprove for who you are. But I have found my family. I've connected with similar people.
“My purpose is to create change. That's what I'm here for.”
