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He also encouraged FIFA to "do better" and questioned David Beckham's promotion of the event.
Soccer player Josh Cavallo is using his platform to stand up for LGBTQ+ rights around the world — and calling David Beckham out in the process.
The upcoming FIFA Men’s World Cup is bringing renewed attention to the dire state of LGBTQ+ rights in Qatar, where it’s being held. Same-sex relationships are not only illegal, but punishable by death in Qatar – leading activists to wonder why such a big sports event is being held there, and how players and fans can feel safe while in attendance.
Cavallo, who came out as gay last fall, spoke out about the situation while accepting the Man of the Year trophy at the Attitude Awards this week.
“I vow to stand up for the LGBTQ athletes and the fans at the World Cup in Qatar who can’t live openly, authentically,” he said. “Qatar, FIFA, the world is watching. Do you see us?”
\u201cJosh Cavallo, Australia's first active male professional footballer to come out as gay, said a country's stance on LGBT rights should be considered before awarding hosting rights for a major sporting event\u201d— Reuters (@Reuters) 1665665100
He urged sports leaders to take laws and safety into better consideration when choosing host countries for these big events in the future. “We must do better,” he remarked.
Cavallo also spoke with Attitude about his frustrations over Beckham signing a reportedly multimillion-dollar deal to be the face of the Qatar World Cup despite voicing his support for gay players earlier this year.
“We need you to speak out. We need some help,” Cavallo said, addressing Beckham directly. “It’s important icons like himself, with the audience that he can reach, are clear [and] that he makes a point on this stuff.”
“I just hope he’s continuing to be an ally for the LGBTQ+ community,” he added.
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Rachel Kiley is presumably a writer and definitely not a terminator. She can usually be found crying over queerbaiting in the Pitch Perfect franchise or on Twitter, if not both.
Rachel Kiley is presumably a writer and definitely not a terminator. She can usually be found crying over queerbaiting in the Pitch Perfect franchise or on Twitter, if not both.
