About the Authors of Why Are We Like This?

---

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 has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from New York University and St. John’s University, and a master’s degree in counseling psychology from the University of Santa Monica. The focus of his postgraduate work was on personal development and transpersonal psychology. His education and devotion to helping others have enabled his counseling practice to assist clients in achieving their highest potential, especially those in the LGBT+ community. In addition to advocating for resources for PWA, he worked on a National Institute of Mental Health sponsored AIDS research project at Memorial Sloane Kettering Cancer Center in New York. George is searching for the commonality in our experiences that answers the fundamental Heartstopper® question: why are we like this?