Josh Cavallo reflects on coming out ahead of A-League Pride game

Openly gay Adelaide United players Josh Cavallo and Isabel Hodgson reflect on what it means to be playing in the Reds’ inaugural Pride game on Saturday.

When Josh Cavallo pulls on his Adelaide United jersey on Saturday night, it will be with a lot of pride – for his club, his community and the incredible journey he has taken since coming out as gay last October.

The 22-year-old – along with his Reds women’s and men’s teammates – are wearing rainbow-themed jerseys for the first-ever A-League Pride games at Coopers Stadium.

Hodgson and Cavallo with the special Pride game jerseys they’ll be wearing on Saturday in the double header at Coopers Stadium. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

Cavallo pictured at Coopers Stadium. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

Their names and numbers on their backs will be in rainbow colours, representing the LGBTQI+ community.

It comes nearly five months after Cavallo became the world’s first openly gay male professional soccer player when he came out in a video message on social media.

“I wake up each and every day and look back and (know life’s) become better and better,” the Reds forward said.

Josh Cavallo at Coopers Stadium Hindmarsh. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

Reds’ women’s captain Isabel Hodgson and Josh Cavallo. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

“To know that I was hiding away for as long as I did still hurts me to this day, but I’m really glad that I can put that behind me.”

Cavallo said he hoped people would watch tonight’s games and feel supported.

“There are kids that will turn away from the game because they find that they don’t fit in, so this is a fantastic opportunity to show that everyone is welcome,” he said. “It’s a phenomenal step forward.”

Adelaide United women’s captain Isabel Hodgson – who came out at 19 – said the Pride game would let young people know that “they’re supported by this club and that football is always going to be a safe place for them”.

Adelaide United women take on Melbourne Victory at 4.20pm, followed by the men’s clash with Central Coast Mariners at 7.15pm.