'I've lived my life assuming that this was a topic never to be spoken about'
Adelaide United footballer Josh Cavallo came out as gay recently, saying he wants to help change an industry where being a member of the community is a taboo.
"I am proud to publicly announce that I am gay," Cavallo posted on Twitter.
The professional football player said he has been fighting with his sexuality for more than six years and is "glad" that he could put it to rest.
"It's been a journey to get to this point in my life, but I couldn't be happier with my decision to come out," he added.
Cavallo is the only current top-flight male professional footballer in the world to disclose his sexuality to the public, BBC reported. The booter said being gay and playing football were "two worlds" he never though would cross paths before.
"I've lived my life assuming that this was a topic never to be spoken about," he said.
The Adelaide United player also acknowledged that coming out could have a negative impact on his career and leave fellow gay players to live in silence.
"I want to help change this, to show that everyone is welcome in the game of football, and deserves the right to be their authentic self."
He added that with his coming out story, he hopes to inspire people who identify as members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) community that they are welcome in the football community.
"As the game of football keeps expanding, I want to help evolve the game even further, and let other players in my situation feel they're not alone," he said.
— Josh Cavallo (@JoshuaCavallo) October 27, 2021
Cavallo thanked his family, friends, coaches, and teammates at the Adelaide United for greeting him with "utmost respect and acceptance" when he came out.
"The response and support I have received is immense. It's starting to make me think that why have I been hiding this burden for so long," he said on a separate video statement posted on his team's Twitter account.
Josh's Truth pic.twitter.com/NKSEP2kVWV
— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) October 27, 2021
Providing support for LGBT+ members can make for a better inclusive workplace.
Read more: Can leaders insist employees support LGBTQ?
Erin LeBlanc, a Smith School of Business adjunct lecturer and passionate advocate, previously told HRD that supportive organisations could do more than just stamping pride flags. According to LeBlanc, an employee resource group should led by staff should also be available to employees, while mandatory training on equality, diversity, and inclusion should be provided.
David Price, chief executive officer at Health Assured, also recommended that companies should have a positive work environment and a support network. They should also embrace changing attitude and initiate or get involved with local LGBT events. A study led by the Boston Consulting Group in 2019 revealed that that there was no revenue impact on companies that supported the LGBTQ+ community. According to the study by Open for Business, firms that advocate for inclusive workplaces are likely to attract and retain workers.
