🔗 Share this article

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

After announcing his homosexuality in 2021, player the athlete has faced constant threats and hateful comments on social media.

“When I first saw these messages, I was devastated,” Cavallo states. “Nobody should have to endure such words.

“I'm working to improve my skills and be the best I can be during matches, and then face criticism due to my identity. It's appalling.”

Midfielder Cavallo 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 join lower-tier club Peterborough Sports, who play in front of crowds of about 400 in the sixth division, one level below of English football.

This young athlete balances his sports career for the semi-professional team by advocating for inclusion matters and using his profile - he has more than one million followers on Instagram - to promote fairness and acceptance.

“Definitely, we've got mountains to do,” Cavallo says when questioned about ongoing issues with discrimination.

“I don't go more than a week without hearing about an issue.”

‘Individuals wish to hurt me’

It took years for the athlete to work up the courage to say “I'm gay” before coming out on October 27th, 2021.

“My only desire is play football and receive fair treatment,” he said in an accompanying video.

The player was twenty-one and building his reputation at his Australian club in the premier division when, with the support of his team-mates, he publicly came out.

“The future was uncertain. I had no expectations,” he says. “The moment seemed appropriate 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 one of many high-profile clubs around the world to show solidarity with the player, with the coach at the time Jurgen Klopp saying: “I'm really thankful that he did it because it sparks conversation.”

Spanish player the athlete also offered support, writing on social media that “the world of football is lagging behind and your actions drive progress”, while Adelaide United issued a statement backing their “remarkable” and “brave” player.

Some people, however, were not so accepting.

Cavallo quickly became a subject to anti-gay remarks by opposition fans.

During early 2022 a competing team were fined five thousand dollars over anti-gay abuse from fans aimed toward Cavallo during a match.

“The things I'd hear 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 petrol station in Australia, where the athlete was assaulted by an individual who identified him from the media attention.

“That was a scary moment,” he recalls. “I remember thinking ‘this is real - people want to harm me’.

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

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

Cavallo says the daily death threats and hostile communications have affected his psychological well-being.

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

“Heterosexual players aren't questioned and ask ‘why should you exist in football?’.

“A lot of people see me as a cheerful, positive person. But there are days when I lean on my fiance, Leighton, and he witnesses much of what occurs behind the scenes.”

‘Top-tier athlete revealing orientation would create waves’

The player's choice to reveal his sexuality helped inspire 17-year-old attacking player another athlete to announce he was gay as the Britain's sole publicly out active male professional footballer in spring 2022.

Nevertheless, 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. Numerous frightening aspects that would await this individual. In the world of football, identifying as LGBTQ 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 “harmful male culture” that persists in men's football.

“You just need to go to a match and see the unfriendly atmosphere and male-dominated culture that the audience creates,” he says.

“Much remains to be done to make sure there is a safe space in football for individuals like me and his colleague.

“We haven't seen it (more players coming out) as frequently as desired.

“My role is to continue advocating for principles I believe in, and work towards taking out the toxic masculinity in football changing rooms and creating a safe space.”

‘My mission is to drive progress’

Cavallo says football has allowed him to have conversations inside dressing rooms about revealing one's orientation.

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

The 2034 tournament will be held in another Gulf state, where same-sex attraction is also illegal.

“Am I impressed that the World Cup is in countries that ban gay unions, where people like me will be imprisoned for merely living on their territory? It's frightening,” says the athlete.

“I get messages [from people living in these countries] saying ‘I face imprisonment for being who I am - can you help me?’.

“It breaks my heart that individuals are incarcerated for being who they are.

“Certain nations that are significant soccer markets and they don't accept LGBTQ+ people. These places that tend to target me.”

Despite this, the footballer says he won't cease advocating.

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