🔗 Share this article Identifying as LGBTQ+ in Professional Soccer: An Unwelcoming Atmosphere “We've got mountains to do” - the athlete on homophobia in football “You don't belong on this earth” ... “Why are you here?” ... “Stop breathing.” Since revealing his homosexuality in 2021, footballer the athlete has received daily death threats and hateful comments on online platforms. “When I first saw these messages, I was devastated,” 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 get put down 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 elite soccer player in the world. Recently he left Australia to sign with non-league Peterborough Sports, who play in front of crowds of about 400 in the sixth division, one level below of English football. The 25-year-old combines playing for the Cambridgeshire part-timers by advocating for LGBTQ+ issues and leveraging his platform - boasting over a million followers on Instagram - to promote fairness and acceptance. “Absolutely, we've got mountains to do,” Cavallo says when questioned about ongoing issues with homophobia. “I don't go more than a week without encountering problems.” ‘Individuals wish to hurt me’ The player was raised in Melbourne Several years passed for the athlete to build up the bravery to say “I am homosexual” before revealing his sexuality on 27 October 2021. “My only desire is compete in soccer and be treated equally,” he said in an related clip. Cavallo was twenty-one and building his reputation at his Australian club in Australia's top flight 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. “The moment seemed appropriate in my life. I needed to move forward.” The heartfelt revelation clip, titled ‘His Personal Story’, gained massive attention on digital platforms. “My phone was flooded with messages of support. The response was incredible.” Liverpool were one of many high-profile clubs around the world to show solidarity with the player, with the coach at the time the German manager saying: “I appreciate that he took this step because it sparks conversation.” Spanish player the athlete also offered support, posting online that “the world of football is lagging behind and your actions drive progress”, while his former club issued a statement supporting their “remarkable” and “brave” player. Some people, however, were less welcoming. Cavallo quickly became a subject to homophobic abuse by rival supporters. In January 2022 a competing team were fined A$5,000 over anti-gay abuse from fans aimed toward the player during a match. “The comments I encountered 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 Cavallo was assaulted by someone who recognised him from the media attention. “It was terrifying,” 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. “I hope that future individuals who comes out while playing football at a professional standard doesn't have to experience the journey I have experienced.” Cavallo says the constant menacing messages 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 football field for my identity,” 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, positive person. But sometimes when I rely on my partner, his name, and he witnesses much of what occurs behind the scenes.” ‘Top-tier athlete revealing orientation would create waves’ Cavallo's decision to reveal his sexuality helped inspire teenage attacking player another athlete to announce he was gay as the UK's only openly gay playing soccer professional in May 2022. However, there are zero publicly LGBTQ athletes in the top English division. “It would create massive change,” says Cavallo on the impact a elite athlete revealing their orientation would have. “But I must be honest. Numerous frightening aspects that would come this person's way. Within soccer culture, identifying as LGBTQ is a highly hostile environment.” Twenty-seven years after a pioneering player - Britain's first openly gay male footballer - died by suicide in 1998, the current athlete has spoken about the “toxic masculinity” that persists in men's football. “You just need to go to a game and observe the hostile environment and masculinity that the crowd brings,” he says. “There is still a lot of work to make sure there is a safe space in soccer for individuals like me and his colleague. “Progress has been limited (additional athletes revealing their orientation) as much as we would like. “My role is to continue advocating for what I think is right, and work towards eliminating the toxic masculinity in soccer locker rooms and establishing secure environments.” ‘My mission is to drive progress’ The athlete was awarded an honorary degree from Flinders University in Adelaide in 2022, honoring his efforts as a role model in athletics and a champion for equality Cavallo says football has enabled discussions within team environments about coming out. However, he is critical of soccer's global governing body, after the Middle Eastern nation, 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 also illegal. “Am I impressed that the global championship is in countries that criminalise same-sex marriages, 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 face imprisonment for being who I am - is assistance possible?’. “It breaks my heart 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. Those are the countries that tend to target me.” Nevertheless, the footballer says he won't cease advocating. “Soccer has allowed me to start conversations in the locker room. It lets me communicate and inform individuals who seek understanding. “Some will disapprove for your identity. But I have found my family. I have found my community. “My purpose is to drive progress. That's my objective.”