Wade Davis

Wade Davis, a former football player, is known not just for his sports career but also for his role as an educator and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. His exemplary career includes winning the World Bowl IX as a member of the NFL Europe team Berlin Thunder and working as the NFL's first diversity and inclusion consultant. This position allowed Davis to bridge the gap between the NFL and the LGBT community, a testament to his commitment to equality and inclusion. Davis also co-founded the YOU Belong Initiative, providing sports instruction and leadership development for LGBTQ and straight allied youth.

In addition to his sports and advocacy work, Davis has been actively involved in education and mentoring. His role as the former executive director and director of professional sports outreach for the You Can Play project illustrates his dedication to eradicating homophobia in sports. He also served as an assistant director of job readiness at the Hetrick-Martin Institute, equipping LGBTQ youth with life skills. His commitment to education extends to his global speaking engagements at colleges, universities, and corporations where he discusses topics such as inclusion, equality, equity, and diversity.

Davis's powerful voice and experiences have made him a regular fixture in media and literature. His writings have been featured in The Huffington Post, The New York Times, and Sports Illustrated, providing insights on issues of sexuality and sports. His memoir, "Interference," provides a candid look at his life growing up in a strict religious household and his journey advocating for LGBTQ rights. His media appearances include the documentary "F(l)ag Football" and the series "Adam Ruins Everything," where he discusses toxic masculinity. With these accomplishments, Davis has been recognized as one of the 50 Black LGBT Adults That Black LGBT Youth Should Know and was ranked #46 on The Root 100 list of influential Black figures. His work has also earned him an honorary Doctorate of Public Service from Northeastern University.