Josh Cavallo, an Adelaide United midfielder who came out as gay in 2021, continues to experience severe backlash, including multiple daily death threats. He describes football as a hostile environment for openly gay players, indicating that the decision to come out carries significant emotional toll and societal pressure. Cavallo, the first openly gay male professional footballer in the top flight of Australian football, expressed regret for not coming out sooner, feeling constrained by the toxic atmosphere and societal expectations in sports. He acknowledges that while he wishes to encourage others to be true to themselves, the struggles associated with coming out can be daunting.
When Australian Cavallo came out, he was the only top-flight openly gay male professional footballer.
It's difficult to say to people, 'Absolutely, come out, be yourself'. But it also comes with a mountain of downsides as well that I don't think people realise.
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