Josh Cavallo, the footballer who in 2021 spoke publicly about his homosexualityIt is news now because he has signed for an English team.
The Australian player, one of the first active professionals in a First Division League in declaring Gayhas left the Adelaide United to sign for the Peterborough Sports FC of the National League North, Sixth category of English football.
«I am incredibly proud to sign and start this exciting adventure in the United Kingdom. I am ready to give everything for this shield, for the fans and for all those who support us, ”said Josh Cavallo in his social networks after signing for his new team, with which he makes the leap to Europe after having played his entire career so far in Australia, his native country.
Josh Cavallo's example
A Josh Cavallo who has given much to speak in recent years for his courage and his way of setting an example in the world of football, in which homosexuality remains a thorny issue because professionals who give the step of telling their history and sexual orientation are very few. Recently, the left side shared on the podcast Footballers Unfiltered that receives Death threats daily since he made his homosexuality public in 2021.
«I reached a point in my life where I wanted to live with authenticity; I felt quite stagnant and that affected my mental health a lot. Looking back, it was the best decision I have made, ”he acknowledged. «The world of football is a very toxic place for an openly gay player. We are still far from acceptance. Leaving the closet was the best decision of my life. I should have done it before to live as myself. I am tired of living a double life. I just want to play football and be treated equally, ”he adds.
A few years ago, Josh Cavallo declared himself openly homosexual with a statement that is history in the world of professional football:
Today I am ready to talk about something personal. Finally I feel comfortable to talk about it in my life. I am proud to publicly announce that I am gay.
It has been a long trip until you reach this point in my life, but I could not be happier with my decision to go out (make it public). I have been fighting my sexuality for more than six years and now I am proud to rest on the matter.
People who know me personally know that I am a reserved person. While growing, I always felt the need to hide because I was ashamed. Embarrased I would never have been able to do what I love and be gay. Hide what I am really to pursue a dream that I have always wanted since childhood: play football and be treated just like the rest never felt like a reality.
Being a gay footballer locked up. I have had to learn to digest my feelings to fit in the mold of a professional footballer. Growing being gay and playing football are two worlds that had not crossed before. I have lived my life assuming that this was a topic that had never been spoken.
In football you only have a small window to achieve greatness and, perhaps, announce your homosexuality can have a negative impact on your career. As a gay footballer I know other players who live in silence. I want to help change this, demonstrate that everyone is welcome in the world of football and deserves the right to be authentic in itself.
It is amazing to verify that there are currently no gay players who play professionally and 'leave the closet' while they are playing, not only in Australia, worldwide. Fortunately I hope this changes in the near future. I hope you sharing what I am, you can show other people who identify as LGTBQ+ who are welcome in the football community. I want to help other players in my situation to feel they are not alone.
Those who really knew me have always treated me with love and have supported me in this path. I am incredibly grateful for this support. Thanks to my family and friends. Thank you especially to Tommy and David for doing this possible and helping me say that I am gay. Thanks to the Adelaide United family for dealing with the greatest respect and acceptance. I am incredibly grateful. Happy pride and let's go ».
