In 2021, Josh Cavallo became world famous overnight when he made the historic decision, as a professional football player active in the first division in Australia, to come out as gay.
In the second part of the exclusive conversation that OneFootball had with the player, Cavallo talks about initiatives against homophobia in the world of football, the importance of creating safe environments and the impact of coming out as gay on his career. (click here to read the first part of the conversation)
As talk of a move abroad continues, attention is turning to initiatives such as Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign in the Premier League and the US women’s national team wearing Pride-coloured kits.
In France, during a match dedicated to the fight against homophobia, Monaco midfielder Mohamed Camara covered the logos on his shirt promoting the campaign. Camara was suspended for four games.
“I think the sentence should have been longer,” Cavallo says. “There is no tolerance for that.”
“Any other situation is treated much harsher. This is not the type of behavior we want to see as football players. Because there are also children seeing this type of behavior.”
The Adelaide United player also does not deny that he wants to play for the Australian men’s national team. After recovering from injuries, Cavallo says there is great anticipation for next season.
The decision to come out publicly at age 21 did not trigger a wave of similar announcements in men’s football as some thought it might, but that was never Cavallo’s goal.
“We didn’t know the outcome (before announcing he was gay).
“The reality is this is seen as something negative in football. Many people have something to say about it and want to say something to bring you down. I know I have to shield myself from that and continue being who I am. And I am! I’m living happily, I’m living freely, I’m so happy to be here and still be a football player and no one is stopping me.”
Now engaged — Cavallo proposed to his partner at Adelaide United’s Coopers Stadium — there are clearly no regrets.
And what can others do as allies to make football a better, more inclusive place?
“Make this space a welcoming place. My team did that for me. They made me feel like this was a home where I could be myself and not be judged, and my coaches did that for me.”
Cavallo refers to the support from not just his club, but clubs across Australia and around the world as “phenomenal”.
Share this article
2024-06-29 10:15:55
#EXCLUSIVE #Josh #Cavallo #reveals #impact #coming #gay #football
