Aussie Soccer Star Josh Cavallo Marks One Year Since Coming Out
Josh Cavallo, the first top-flight soccer player to come out while still active in the sport, marked his first full year free of the closet in an emotional Instagram post.
"Today marks one year since I stood in front of a camera not knowing if there will ever be a future for me in sport," Cavallo said in his Oct. 27 post. "Taking that step in my life was not only for myself but for the people in this world that believe there is no place for them in sport."
"Thank you to every single one of you reading this for your support," the 22-year-old trailblazer wrote to his fans. "You have not only helped me in my personal journey but you helped encourage so many others in the world to open their wings in becoming themselves."
The soccer star has had the support of his team, Adelaide United, from the start. He came out in a video that the team posted online, saying, "There's something personal that I need to share with everyone: I'm a footballer, and I am gay."
In the video, Cavallo expressed sentiments that others before had put into words, saying, "I was ashamed I'd never be able to do what I love, and be gay. All I want to do is play football and be treated equally."
"I'm tired of trying to perform at the best of your ability and to live this double life. It's exhausting. It's something that I don't want anyone to experience," he said.
But the difference was that no top-flight soccer player in the world had come out while still active in the sport. Cavallo's embrace of his sexuality changed that, and inspired others to come out in turn.
Cavallo seemed to acknowledge the impact he's had with his closing words:
"During this past year, there are many bridges that have been built for the next generation and I'm wanting to continue to help build these with my platform."