Josh Cavallo Reflects On LGBTQIA+ Improvements In Soccer: “There’s Still A Long Way To Go.”
At 19-years-old, Australian soccer player, Josh Cavallo came out as gay and joined a small group of male, elite-level athletes still playing professionally. Since then he’s campaigned from within his sport to change attitudes towards LGBTQIA+ people in the game.
Ahead of his guest appearance on season 3 of RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under, Josh has spoken to Advocate about how impressed he is with the advancements made towards better inclusion. He doesn’t feel the work is over though.
Cavallo encourages FIFA and other sporting bodies to do better
The FIFA World Cup was held in Qatar in 2022 and there was outrage regarding the choice. Qatar has an openly hostile stance against LGBTQIA+ communities and a very poor history of alleged human rights violations. Josh was one of the athletes who chose to speak out against FIFA’s decision at the time.
Josh has made concerted efforts for more LGBTQIA+ acknowledgement in sports and his work has begun to pay off. “It’s been absolutely phenomenal to see the changes it’s had in my life, but most importantly, changes it’s had around the world,” he tells Advocate. “When I go to countries outside of Australia and see people recognise me… [it’s] crazy. There’s still a long way to go in the world of football.”
Looking under Josh’s pinned Instagram post, it’s easy to see the trolls and homophobes that make it harder for LGBTQIA+ athletes to come out. Regardless, Josh has stood proud and called out homophobia when he sees it. “This is working. We’re paving the way and changing the world of football. This is why I wanted to come out. People are listening,” he says.
“Some people are ready to come out today. Some people aren’t ready to come out at all. Everyone has a different journey, but I want them to see those messages that will give them that hope that they need.”
