Reds ace comes out as gay in emotional post
ADELAIDE United’s Josh Cavallo has come out as gay, becoming the first male professional Australian footballer to do so in their playing days.
The Young Socceroo, 21, made the announcement on Wednesday, declaring he was “proud to publicly announce I am gay” in an emotional statement on Twitter.
Cavallo is the first openly gay male athlete to play in the A-League competition. He said he wanted to create a safe space for others to come forward.
Other openly gay males playing professional football elsewhere 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 statement, Cavallo said he knew the potential negative repercussions but hoped his decision to come out would inspire other closeted male footballers and “show that everyone is welcome in the game of football”.
“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. 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.
“As a gay footballer, I know there are other players living in silence. I want to help change this, to show that everyone is welcome in the game of football and deserves the right to be their authentic self.
“I hope that in sharing who I am, I can show others who identify as LGBTQ+ that they are welcome in the football community.
“Those who already knew this about me have met me with love and support every step of the way. I’m thankful for this support. To my family and friends – thank you, especially Tommy and David for making it possible for me to say proudly that I’m gay.
“To my Adelaide United family, thank you for greeting me with the utmost respect and acceptance. I’m incredibly grateful.”