Conner Mertens is known as the vocal activist who made history as the first openly LGBTQ+ NCAA football player (and helped secure a three-point upset win over #5 ranked Linfield in 2014). He earned Outsports’ 2014 “Hero of the Year” and Queerty’s 2018 “Up & Coming” award.
Conner has spoken internationally at schools, corporations, festivals, and state legislatures on anti-bullying, suicide prevention, mental health, and inclusion in sports. During undergrad, he founded and ran his own nonprofit serving Oregon's homeless LGBTQ+ youth, interned for the House Minority Leader, worked closely with Washington legislators on mental health and suicide prevention laws, and interned at CNN for Anderson Cooper 360.
While living in New York, he managed state legislative campaigns and worked for Senators. More recently, he created and launched Washington’s state-wide youth health and safety program, sits on Sports Equality Foundation’s board of directors, and coaches varsity soccer and football in Seattle.
