🔗 Share this article Being Gay in Men's Football: An Unwelcoming Atmosphere “There's still so much to accomplish” - Cavallo on homophobia in soccer “You shouldn't exist” ... “What are you doing here?” ... “Don't take another breath.” After announcing his homosexuality in 2021, player the athlete has faced constant threats and hateful comments on online platforms. “When I first saw these messages, I was devastated,” the player explains. “No-one wants to read things like that. “I'm trying to get better as a player and reach my full potential on the pitch, and then get put down due to my identity. It's disgusting.” 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. This summer he departed from Australia to sign with lower-tier club Peterborough Sports, who play in front of crowds of about 400 in National League North, the sixth tier of the English soccer system. The 25-year-old combines playing for the semi-professional team by speaking up on LGBTQ+ issues and leveraging his platform - boasting over a million followers on Instagram - to champion equality and acceptance. “Absolutely, there's enormous work ahead,” Cavallo says when questioned about ongoing issues with homophobia. “I don't go more than a week without hearing about an issue.” ‘Individuals wish to hurt me’ The player was raised in Melbourne It took years for the athlete to build up the bravery to say “I'm gay” before coming out on 27 October 2021. “My only desire is compete in soccer and receive fair treatment,” he said in an related clip. Cavallo was 21 and building his reputation 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, entitled ‘His Personal Story’, gained massive attention 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 express support for the player, with then manager Jurgen Klopp saying: “I appreciate that he took this step because it sparks conversation.” Barcelona defender 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 “brave” player. Others, however, were less welcoming. The footballer soon turned into a target of anti-gay remarks by rival supporters. During early 2022 a competing team were penalized five thousand dollars over anti-gay abuse from fans directed at Cavallo during a match. “The things I'd hear were painful and derogatory towards LGBTQ people,” he explains. “I didn't react because responding would encourage detractors.” A scary event occurred at a gas 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’. “Is it acceptable? 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 professional standard doesn't have to experience the journey I have endured.” The player says the daily death threats and abusive messages have taken a toll on his mental health. “It's quite sad because I must justify why I deserve a place on the football field for my identity,” he states. “We don't sit straight people down and ask ‘why should you exist in football?’. “Many individuals see me as a smiling, positive person. But there are days when I lean on my fiance, Leighton, and he gets to see a lot that happens behind the scenes.” ‘Top-tier athlete revealing orientation would create waves’ Cavallo's decision to disclose his orientation helped inspire teenage attacking player Jake Daniels to come out as the UK's only openly gay active male professional footballer in spring 2022. However, there are no openly gay or bisexual players in the top English division. “It would create massive change,” says the footballer on the impact a Premier League player revealing their orientation would make. “But I'm not going to sugar-coat it. There are a lot of scary things that would come this person's way. In the world of football, being an openly gay player is a very toxic place.” Over two decades after Justin Fashanu - Britain's first openly gay male footballer - died by suicide in 1998, Cavallo has spoken about the “toxic masculinity” that still exists in professional soccer. “You just need to go to a game and observe the unfriendly atmosphere and masculinity that the crowd brings,” he says. “Much remains to be done to ensure there is a secure environment in football for people like myself and Jake. “We haven't seen it (additional athletes revealing their orientation) as much as we would like. “My role is to continue advocating for principles I believe in, and strive for eliminating 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, honoring his efforts as a role model in athletics and a advocate for fairness The player says football has enabled discussions within team environments about revealing one's orientation. Yet, he is disapproving toward Fifa, after the Middle Eastern nation, where same-sex relationships are against the law, staged the global tournament in 2022. The 2034 tournament is scheduled in another Gulf state, where homosexuality is also illegal. “Am I impressed that the World Cup is in nations that criminalise same-sex marriages, where people like me will be imprisoned for just existing on that land? It's scary,” says Cavallo. “I get messages [from people living in these countries] saying ‘I face imprisonment for my identity - is assistance possible?’. “It breaks my heart that individuals are incarcerated for their true selves. “There are countries that are significant soccer markets and they don't accept LGBTQ+ people. Those are the countries that tend to target me.” Nevertheless, the footballer says he will not stop speaking up. “Football has allowed me to start conversations in the changing room. It lets me communicate and inform individuals who want to learn more. “Not everyone is going to like you for your identity. But I've discovered support. I've connected with similar people. “My purpose is to drive progress. That's my objective.”