🔗 Share this article

“You don't belong on this earth” ... “Why are you here?” ... “Stop breathing.”

After announcing he was gay in 2021, footballer the athlete has faced constant threats and abusive messages on online platforms.

“Upon reading those comments, it broke my heart,” the player explains. “No-one wants to read things like that.

“I'm working to improve my skills and reach my full potential during matches, and then get put down because of who I am. It's appalling.”

Midfielder the sportsman was at Adelaide United back in 2020 when he emerged as the sole publicly out elite soccer player in the world.

This summer he departed from Australia to sign with non-league Peterborough Sports, who play in front of crowds of about 400 in the sixth division, the sixth tier of the English soccer system.

This young athlete combines playing for the Cambridgeshire part-timers by advocating for inclusion matters and using his profile - he has more than one million followers on social media - to promote fairness and inclusion.

“Definitely, there's enormous work ahead,” the footballer comments when questioned about ongoing issues with homophobia.

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

‘Individuals wish to hurt me’

Several years passed for Cavallo to build up the bravery to say “I'm gay” before revealing his sexuality on October 27th, 2021.

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

The player was 21 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 needed to move forward.”

The heartfelt revelation clip, titled ‘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 Cavallo, with the coach at the time the German manager saying: “I'm really thankful that he did it because it sparks conversation.”

Spanish player Gerard Pique also offered support, posting online that “the world of football is far behind and you are helping us move forward”, while Adelaide United released a comment supporting their “remarkable” and “courageous” player.

Some people, however, were not so accepting.

Cavallo soon turned into a subject to homophobic abuse by rival supporters.

During early 2022 a competing team were penalized five thousand dollars over discriminatory chants from fans directed at Cavallo during a game.

“The things I'd hear were painful and derogatory towards my community,” he explains.

“I didn't react 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 someone who recognised him from the coverage.

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

“Should this be tolerated? Absolutely not. But by coming out, this is what it brings.

“My wish is that future individuals who comes out while playing football at a professional standard won't face the path I have experienced.”

The player says the daily death threats and hostile communications have affected his mental health.

“It's quite sad 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 ‘what gives you the right in football?’.

“Many individuals see me as a smiling, positive person. But sometimes when I rely on my partner, his name, and he witnesses much of what occurs privately.”

‘Top-tier athlete revealing orientation would create waves’

The player's choice to disclose his orientation helped inspire 17-year-old attacking player another athlete to come out as the UK's only openly gay active male professional footballer in May 2022.

However, there are zero publicly LGBTQ athletes in the Premier League.

“It would create massive change,” says the footballer on the effect a Premier League player coming out would make.

“But I'm not going to sugar-coat it. Numerous frightening aspects that would await this individual. Within soccer culture, identifying as LGBTQ is a very toxic place.”

Over two decades after a pioneering player - the UK's initial out soccer professional - took his own life in 1998, Cavallo has spoken about the “harmful male culture” that persists in men's football.

“Simply attend to a match and observe the hostile environment and masculinity that the audience creates,” he says.

“Much remains to be done to ensure there is a safe space in soccer 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 strive for taking out the toxic masculinity in soccer locker rooms and establishing secure environments.”

‘I'm here to create change’

Cavallo says soccer has enabled discussions within team environments about coming out.

However, he is disapproving toward soccer's global governing body, after the Middle Eastern nation, where homosexual partnerships are against the law, staged the global tournament 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 criminalise same-sex marriages, where people like me will be imprisoned for merely living on their territory? It's scary,” says the athlete.

“I get messages [from people living in these countries] saying ‘I face imprisonment for being who I am - 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 won't cease advocating.

“Football has enabled dialogue in the locker room. It has allowed me to speak and inform individuals who want to learn more.

“Some will disapprove for your identity. 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.”