Rowan Jetté Knox, He/Him
Bestselling Author l Human Rights Advocate l LGBTQ2+ l Transgender
- Author,
- Bilingual,
- DEI,
- Empowerment,
- Equity Diversity & Inclusion,
- Human Rights,
- Inspirational,
- LGBTQ+,
- Mental Health
Presentations
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How to Have Positive Discussions on Challenging Topics
In an increasingly divided world, how we communicate can mean the difference between connection and discord. Using both personal insight and scientific evidence, Rowan’s approach will help the audience learn best practices in discussing tricky and divisive topics in ways that will foster connection and growth. From parents to politicians, Rowan has spent over a decade teaching thousands of people why 2SLGBTQ+ issues and other topics are not as different, complicated, or scary as they might seem.
This talk has an additional short workshop component that can be included.
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Challenging Stigma Through Personal Story
In his signature keynote address, bestselling author and award-winning human rights champion Rowan Jetté Knox challenges the stigma we hold towards marginalized people by humanizing his experience as a trans man who has walked through fire.
Mental illness, childhood trauma and living as a closeted 2SLGBTQ person set the stage for being unhoused and struggling with addiction as a teenager. Years later, while finally settled in what appeared to be a picture-perfect life with a partner and children, Rowan and his family are thrust into several life-changing events that begin with one of their children coming out as trans. These profound changes end up being the best thing that ever happened to all of them, bringing everyone closer and teaching an entire community how to love unconditionally. They also allowed for Rowan to finally heal and find himself.
How do we best end stigma? Through the connection that only personal story can bring us. Told with candor, humour, and vulnerability, Rowan’s story of resilience and self-discovery is a favourite with audiences worldwide.
How to Have Positive Discussions on Challenging Topics
In an increasingly divided world, how we communicate can mean the difference between connection and discord. Using both personal insight and scientific evidence, Rowan’s approach will help the audience learn best practices in discussing tricky and divisive topics in ways that will foster connection and growth. From parents to politicians, Rowan has spent over a decade teaching thousands of people why 2SLGBTQ+ issues and other topics are not as different, complicated, or scary as they might seem.
This talk has an additional short workshop component that can be included.
Challenging Stigma Through Personal Story
In his signature keynote address, bestselling author and award-winning human rights champion Rowan Jetté Knox challenges the stigma we hold towards marginalized people by humanizing his experience as a trans man who has walked through fire.
Mental illness, childhood trauma and living as a closeted 2SLGBTQ person set the stage for being unhoused and struggling with addiction as a teenager. Years later, while finally settled in what appeared to be a picture-perfect life with a partner and children, Rowan and his family are thrust into several life-changing events that begin with one of their children coming out as trans. These profound changes end up being the best thing that ever happened to all of them, bringing everyone closer and teaching an entire community how to love unconditionally. They also allowed for Rowan to finally heal and find himself.
How do we best end stigma? Through the connection that only personal story can bring us. Told with candor, humour, and vulnerability, Rowan’s story of resilience and self-discovery is a favourite with audiences worldwide.
Testimonials
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"[Rowan] gave a terrific presentation – it was comprehensive, intersectional, feminist and deeply moving. We are lucky to have [him] as a member of our intellectual, feminist and queer communities."
Shoshana Magnet, Associate Professor Institute of Feminist & Gender Studies, University of Ottawa
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"[Rowan] Jette Knox's presentation wove vulnerability, humour, courage and candor into a compelling story of [his] lived experience that truly moved our audience. The feedback from our guests was overwhelmingly that [Rowan] left a profound, lasting impression. Thank you [Rowan]!"
Carla Snow, Manager of Marketing and Communications, YWCA, Banff
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"When [Rowan] speaks you are first drawn in to [his] comfortable aura, [his] easy way with words, [his] delightful smiling self. [Rowan] Jette Knox is one of those rare speakers who is so honest [he] connects with every member of [his] audience at their own level. [His] speech is less scripted than it is chatted with [his] audience over coffee. Truth is, [he's] a rhetorician and [he] doesn't even try to be. Amazing speaker. I would have [him] back for Media Action's Ask Women Anything program in a heartbeat."
Amanda Parriag, President, Media Action Media
Shoshana Magnet, Associate Professor Institute of Feminist & Gender Studies, University of Ottawa
Media Gallery
Books
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one sunny afternoon
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love lives here, A Story of Thriving in a Transgender Family
