Josh Cavallo becomes Australia's first openly gay footballer
Adelaide United player Josh Cavallo has become the first openly gay male footballer in Australia during his active years on the field.
The 21-year-old Socceroo made the announcement on his social media on Wednesday, saying, "I am proud to publicly announce I am gay," in an emotional statement.
By coming out as the first openly gay male athlete to play in the A-League competition, Josh said he wants to help create a safe space for others to come out.
Other active and openly gay males playing professional football elsewhere in the world include Collin Martin, who plays for San Diego Loyal in the second tier of football in the USA, as well as Phuti Lekoloane, who plays in South Africa’s third tier.
In his emotional statement, Josh recognised he may be subject to negativity and homophobia following his announcement, but he hoped his decision would inspire other male athletes in the closet to come out and “show that everyone is welcome in the game of football”.
Josh wrote, “It’s been a journey to get to this point in my life, but I couldn’t be happier with my decision to come out,” he said. “I have been fighting my sexuality for over six years now, and I’m glad I can put that to rest."
“For the people that know me personally, you’ll know I’m a private person. Growing up, I always felt the need to hide myself because I was ashamed. Ashamed I would never be able to do what I loved and be gay. Hiding who I truly am, to pursue a dream I always wished for as a kid, to play football and be treated equally never felt like a reality.
“Being a gay closeted footballer, I’ve had to learn to mask my feelings in order to fit the mould of a professional footballer. Growing up being gay and playing football were just two worlds that hadn’t crossed paths before."
“In football, you only have a small window to achieve greatness, and coming out publicly may have a negative impact on a career."
“I hope that in sharing who I am, I can show others who identify as LGBTQ+ that they are welcome in the football community."
Josh has received an outpouring of love from his football club, Adelaide United, as they shared a video of Cavallo on their Twitter account called "Josh's Truth".
Pride Football Australia also shared messages of support, as they said "everyone deserves to be themselves."
Many other Aussie sporting personalities commented on Josh's post, calling him an "inspiration", and commenting on his bravery.
Everyone deserves to be themselves.
Congratulations to @AdelaideUnited & @ALeagueMen player @JoshuaCavallo on your bravery to come out to the world.
Everyone at Pride Football Australia is right behind you. pic.twitter.com/is9mSSA2MO— Pride Football Australia (@PrideFootballOz) October 27, 2021
Image credits: Instagram @joshua.cavallo