"I'm a gay footballer." These were the words of Australian footballer Josh Cavallo, in a video uploaded by Adelaide United.
According to the BBC, the current male professional soccer player is the only one to come out as gay.
Cavallo shares his thoughts in a video posted to Twitter on Wednesday. "Growing up, I always felt the need for me to hide myself because it was embarrassing," Cavallo says. "I was afraid I wouldn't be able do what I love and to be gay. To be the person I am, I have to hide who I really am in order to achieve a dream that I had always wanted as a child.
"All I want to do is play football and get treated equally. It's exhausting trying to do the best I can and living this double life. Cavallo says that it's something he doesn't want anyone else to experience.
He said that he was touched by the support he received from his family, friends, and coaches after coming out to his coach, teammates, and family.
He says, "I want people to see that it's OK for them to be themselves and play football. It's OK to also be gay and play football."
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In July, Carl Nassib, a Las Vegas Raiders defensive player, came out as gay via an Instagram post. This made him the first openly LGBTQ active NFL player.
Roger Goodell, the NFL Commissioner, released a statement supporting Nassib. He said, "We share their hope that someday soon statements such as his will not be newsworthy as it marches toward full equality for LGBTQ+ communities."
