Rowan is a transgender gay man in his early 50’s. He is a certified life coach, passionate about empowering and guiding his clients through personal challenges, with particular focus on identity issues. Rowan grew up in Germany, studied English Literature and French Linguistics at University of Heidelberg, and recently rediscovered a love for writing. Based on his own metamorphic experience, he felt compelled to investigate the alchemy of Heartstopper® and understand the transformative spark that motivated him and other fans to find more joy, fulfillment, and connection in their lives. By sharing these stories, he hopes to inspire more people to overcome fear, pursue happiness, and live authentically.
George holds a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from NYU and St. John’s University. He has a Master’s degree in counselling psychology from the University of Santa Monica, and the focus of his postgraduate work was on personal development, human potential, and transpersonal psychology. He has devoted his life to helping others, especially those in the LGBT+ community. In addition to participating in demonstrations and advocating for medical resources for Persons With AIDS, he worked on a National Institute of Mental Health sponsored AIDS research project at Memorial Sloane Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. Heartstopper® was his catalyst for a profound healing journey from life-altering trauma. George is searching for the commonality in our experiences that answers the question, why are we like this?