In a powerful revelation, Josh Cavallo, an Australian footballer and the first openly gay male professional athlete, has shared the daily challenges he faces since coming out, highlighting a stark reality of the sports world. Cavallo, who plays for Adelaide United, disclosed in a recent episode of FIFPRO's Footballers Unfiltered podcast that he continues to receive multiple death threats on a regular basis, even over three years after publicly announcing his sexuality back in October 2021.
Now 25, Cavallo reflected on his journey, confidently stating, “I’m proud of my representation in the LGBTQ+ community.” However, he simultaneously acknowledged the heavy toll that being an openly gay player in a traditionally conservative sport has taken on his mental health, describing football as a ``toxic place'' for players like him. Despite the support he feels from his club and teammates, the overwhelming negativity and abuse he faces daily remains a serious concern.
“There are multiple, multiple, multiple death threats that come my way daily still,” Cavallo explained. He articulated the unfortunate reality that many may not understand the cost associated with living authentically as an LGBTQ+ athlete. “It’s difficult to say to people, 'Absolutely, come out, be yourself, but it also comes with a mountain of downsides as well that I don’t think people realise,” he added.
Despite these harsh realities, Cavallo maintains that coming out was the best decision of his life. “It was the best move and decision I’ve ever made. I’m proud of myself, the people around me, my support network, and how we’ve correlated and changed things around football, but we also have to realise there’s still a long way to go,” he said.
The Adelaide United midfielder, whose contract is set to expire in June, admitted that before coming out, he lived in constant fear of being found out, which had detrimental effects on his psyche. “There was a 24/7 act on top of trying to be the best athlete you can possibly be every day for football,” he recalled. However, revealing his true self has significantly lifted that burden — “It felt like 15 kilos of weight has been lifted off my shoulders,” he shared.
Cavallo's experiences are not unique; they echo broader systematic issues within sports culture. Kade Matthews from Proud 2 Play, an organization focused on creating welcoming environments for the LGBTQ+ community in sports, emphasized that Cavallo’s ongoing distress is indicative of a larger problem. “The mentality of banter and 'friendly jokes'… is really harmful, and we've just got to reframe how we look at our teammates with respect,” Matthews noted.
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas condemned the death threats Cavallo faces, calling them “beyond awful” and unacceptable. He recognized Cavallo’s courage, praising him for speaking out and encouraging a shift in perspectives. “It wouldn’t be an easy thing to do, but I think every time it happens, it becomes a little bit easier for the next person,” he remarked.
Reflecting on his experiences, Cavallo has become a beacon of hope for many. “In my everyday life, I’d be at the local shops, I’d be at the local cafe and a little child would come up to me and know who I am and speak to me and say how I guided them,” he said. This representation is vital, emphasizing Cavallo’s commitment to being a role model despite the challenges he faces. He believes that visibility leads to progress: “I think football has a space for people like me. We need more representation to show that it’s okay to be who you are.”
Time and again, the footballer has faced homophobic abuse, including a significant incident in 2022 when Melbourne Victory was fined for homophobic chants directed at him. Football Australia affirmed that it condemned such behavior and aimed to invest in LGBTQ+ awareness initiatives further. Cavallo called for systemic change: “Just having it at the top-level club isn’t enough. We need to do the whole lot.” This sentiment echoes throughout discussions on how to foster a more inclusive culture in sports.
As Cavallo continues to press on in his career, he remains resolute in his mission to advocate for change within the sport. “Every time I step on the field, I'm reminded of my responsibility to advocate for my community,” he said. While the journey has been difficult, he believes that every voice matters: “Telling my story has positively impacted the lives of many across the community, which we as a club are incredibly proud of.”
In summary, Josh Cavallo’s bravery in sharing his story sheds light on critical issues of acceptance and the urgent need for change in the sporting community. As he faces daily challenges, his narrative serves as an important reminder of the work still needed to create truly welcoming spaces in sports for everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation.
