‘Being gay in men’s football is a very toxic place’ – BBC

Report on Homophobia in Professional Football and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals: The Case of Josh Cavallo

1.0 Introduction and Context

This report examines the experiences of professional footballer Josh Cavallo following his public announcement of his sexuality in 2021. It analyzes the persistent challenges of homophobia within the sport through the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Formerly a top-flight player with Adelaide United in Australia, Cavallo now plays for Peterborough Sports in England’s sixth tier. His journey highlights significant obstacles to achieving key SDGs, particularly those related to equality, health, and justice.

2.0 Analysis of SDG Alignment

2.1 SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities & SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Josh Cavallo’s experience demonstrates a profound failure to uphold the principles of SDG 10, which calls for the inclusion of all, irrespective of status, and SDG 16, which aims to reduce all forms of violence. Since 2021, he has been subjected to severe discrimination and threats that contravene these goals.

• Systematic Abuse: Cavallo reports receiving daily death threats and abusive messages online, directly undermining his personal security and right to inclusion.
• In-Person Hostility: During his time in Australia, he was the target of homophobic abuse from fans, leading to a fine for the opposing club, Melbourne Victory. This points to a failure of institutions to ensure safe environments.
• Physical Violence: A targeted physical assault at a petrol station illustrates a direct violation of SDG 16.1 (Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere).

These events underscore the deep-seated inequality within professional football, creating a hostile environment that actively excludes LGBTQ+ individuals and violates their fundamental rights to safety and equal participation.

2.2 SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

The constant abuse has had a documented negative impact on Cavallo’s mental health, a critical component of SDG 3. The psychological toll of discrimination is a significant barrier to well-being for athletes in his position.

• Mental Health Strain: Cavallo has stated that the abusive messages are “heartbreaking” and have taken a toll on his mental health.
• Psychological Burden: He describes the emotional labor of having to justify his existence within the sport, a pressure not placed on heterosexual players.
• Reliance on Support Systems: The need to lean on his fiancé for support highlights the hidden emotional struggles faced by individuals targeted by hate speech and discrimination.

2.3 SDG 5: Gender Equality

While SDG 5 focuses on women and girls, its broader aim to dismantle harmful gender norms is relevant. Cavallo identifies “toxic masculinity” as a pervasive issue in men’s football, which perpetuates exclusionary and hostile environments for anyone who does not conform to traditional stereotypes.

• Hostile Environments: The culture within stadiums and changing rooms often reinforces a narrow and aggressive form of masculinity that is inherently unwelcoming to openly gay men.
• Barrier to Inclusion: This culture is a primary reason why there are no openly gay or bisexual players in top-tier leagues like the English Premier League, hindering progress towards a truly inclusive sport.

3.0 Institutional Responsibility and Global Governance

The actions of global football governing bodies, such as FIFA, have been criticized for failing to align with the principles of the SDGs, particularly SDG 16’s call for inclusive societies and non-discriminatory policies.

1. 2022 World Cup in Qatar: The decision to host the tournament in a country where same-sex relationships are criminalized was seen as a direct contradiction to the sport’s stated values of inclusion.
2. 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia: The planned hosting of the tournament in another nation where homosexuality is illegal further demonstrates a disregard for the safety and rights of the LGBTQ+ community, undermining global efforts to promote non-discriminatory policies.

These decisions by powerful institutions signal that LGBTQ+ rights are not a priority, creating fear and reinforcing the message that individuals like Cavallo are not welcome in all parts of the football world.

4.0 Advocacy and Progress Towards the Goals (SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals)

Despite the challenges, Cavallo’s advocacy and the partnerships he has formed represent a positive contribution towards achieving the SDGs. His work demonstrates the power of individual action and collaborative support.

• Public Advocacy: Cavallo utilizes his large social media platform to educate the public and champion equality, acting as a partner for change.
• Inspiring Others: His courage was cited as an inspiration for Blackpool forward Jake Daniels to come out in 2022.
• Building Alliances: He has received public support from major clubs like Liverpool and Barcelona, as well as influential figures, demonstrating a growing coalition for inclusion.
• Creating Safe Spaces: His move to Peterborough Sports was predicated on finding a comfortable and accepting club environment, showcasing the importance of local institutions in fostering inclusion.

5.0 Conclusion

The case of Josh Cavallo reveals that professional men’s football continues to be an environment where the Sustainable Development Goals concerning equality (SDG 10), health (SDG 3), and justice (SDG 16) are severely challenged for LGBTQ+ individuals. While the advocacy of individuals like Cavallo, supported by allies (SDG 17), is driving conversation and inspiring change, systemic transformation is required. Global governing bodies must align their policies and actions with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to ensure football becomes a safe, inclusive, and equitable space for all.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article about footballer Josh Cavallo’s experiences with homophobia, abuse, and his advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights in football connects to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The core issues of discrimination, mental health, violence, and the need for inclusive institutions are central to the SDG framework.

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: The article explicitly mentions the negative impact of abuse on Cavallo’s mental health. It states that the “daily death threats and abusive messages have taken a toll on his mental health.” This directly relates to the goal of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all.
2. SDG 5: Gender Equality: While often focused on women and girls, SDG 5’s broader aim is to achieve gender equality and end all forms of discrimination and violence based on gender and identity. The article’s focus on discrimination against an individual based on their sexual orientation and the discussion of “toxic masculinity” in men’s football align with the principles of this goal.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities: This is a central SDG in the article. The text details the inequality and discrimination Cavallo faces because he is gay. His statement, “All I want to do is play football and be treated equally,” encapsulates the essence of this goal. The article highlights the need to reduce inequalities within and among countries by promoting the inclusion of all, irrespective of their sexual orientation.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: This goal is relevant due to the themes of violence, abuse, and the failure of institutions to protect individuals. The article describes “daily death threats,” a “physical attack,” and homophobic abuse from fans. It also criticizes football’s governing body, FIFA, for its decision to host World Cups in countries where homosexuality is illegal, questioning the strength and justice of such institutions.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the issues discussed, several specific SDG targets can be identified:

• Target 3.4: “By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.” The article’s reference to the “toll on his mental health” due to constant abuse and the historical context of Justin Fashanu, who took his own life, directly connects to the promotion of mental health and well-being.
• Target 5.1: “End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.” Interpreted in its broader sense of ending identity-based discrimination, this target applies to the homophobic abuse and exclusion Cavallo faces. His fight is against a form of discrimination that prevents him from being treated equally.
• Target 10.2: “By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.” Cavallo’s story is a clear example of the struggle for social inclusion in the world of professional sports. His sexual orientation is the “other status” for which he is being discriminated against, and his advocacy aims to promote the inclusion of other LGBTQ+ individuals.
• Target 10.3: “Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices…” The article points to discriminatory practices within football, such as the “hostile environment” and “toxic masculinity.” It also explicitly calls out discriminatory laws in countries like Qatar and Saudi Arabia, where homosexuality is illegal, which directly contradicts this target.
• Target 16.1: “Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.” The “daily death threats” and the “frightening incident at a petrol station” where Cavallo was “physically attacked” are direct examples of the violence this target aims to reduce.
• Target 16.b: “Promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development.” The article’s criticism of FIFA for hosting the World Cup in countries that “criminalise same-sex marriages” is a direct call to challenge policies and laws that are discriminatory and to promote those that ensure safety and equality for all.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article contains several explicit and implicit indicators that can be used to measure progress:

• Indicator for Target 10.2 (Inclusion): The number of openly gay or bisexual male professional footballers. The article provides a baseline by stating Cavallo was “the only openly gay top-flight male professional footballer in the world” at one point and that there are currently “no openly gay or bisexual players in the Premier League.” An increase in this number would indicate progress.
• Indicator for Target 16.1 (Violence): The frequency and number of reported incidents of abuse, threats, and violence against LGBTQ+ athletes. The article mentions “daily death threats,” “abusive messages,” a “physical attack,” and “anti-gay abuse from fans.” Tracking these incidents would serve as a direct measure of violence.
• Indicator for Target 10.3 (Discriminatory Practices): Actions taken by sports clubs and governing bodies against discrimination. The article mentions that Melbourne Victory was “fined A$5,000 (£2,500) over anti-gay abuse from fans.” The number and severity of such penalties can be an indicator of institutional commitment to eliminating discriminatory practices.
• Indicator for Target 16.b (Discriminatory Laws): The number of countries with laws that criminalize homosexuality. The article explicitly names Qatar and Saudi Arabia as places where “same-sex relationships are illegal.” Progress would be measured by a decrease in the number of countries with such laws, particularly those hosting major international events.
• Indicator for Target 3.4 (Mental Health): The availability of mental health support systems for athletes facing discrimination. While not explicitly stated as a number, the article implies a need for such support by detailing the “toll on his mental health” and mentioning that Cavallo leans on his fiancé for support. The establishment and use of formal support systems could be a measurable indicator.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: bbc.com