27 October 2021, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
Hi everyone. It’s Josh Cavallo here at my home in Adelaide. There’s something personal I need to share with everyone. I’m a footballer and I’m gay.
Growing up I always felt the need to hide myself, because I was ashamed. Ashamed that I’d never be able to do what I loved and be gay. Hiding who I really am, to pursue a dream I’d always wished for as a kid.
Al 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 I don’t want anyone to experience.
I thought that people would think of me differently when they found out, they would start treating me differently, they would start saying bad things about me, or making fun of me. But that not the case. If anything, you earn more respect from people.
Coming out to my loved ones, my peers, my friends, my teammates, my coaches, has been incredible. The response and support I have received is immense.
It’s starting to make me think, why have I been hiding this burden for so long.
I want to inspire and show people it’s okay to be yourself and to play football.
It’s okay to be gay and to play football.
You know, I want to show all the other people that are struggling, that are scared, whoever it may be that don’t act like someone you’re not. Be yourself. You are meant to be yourself, not someone else.
Through my coming out I’m excited to open up, to show everyone the true Josh Cavallo.
I’m Josh Cavallo. I’m a footballer. And I’m proud to be gay.