Gabriel Cooper (he/him) (Comm/Medill '10) is an active member of NUPAC and works as a psychotherapist in Los Angeles, California. He specializes in therapy with men, LGBTQ2+ folks, and those living with invisible disabilities. He is the founder of The Mindfulness Lab and is involved in well-being research at Cambridge University. He sees clients in person and virtually, and is always open to connecting with other NU folks over therapy or simply to say hi!

Reach out to Gabriel to network or for therapy
(818)732-0777
mrgabrielcooper@gmail.com
Gabriel's Therapy Practice 

Special thanks to the host of Gabriel's episode, Moe Ari Brown. Moe is a 2x Northwestern University alumnus. He's spent the last decade as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, supporting LGBTQIA+ relationships, writing academically, being an adjunct professor, public speaking, and serving as the Love and Connection Expert at Hinge. He's also the co-host of the Be Your Own Love Goals Podcast.

Interested in updates and exclusive invitations from Northwestern’s global LGBTQ+ affinity club? NUPAC is free to join! You can also express interest in joining us as a guest or podcast volunteer!

Episode Summary
Gabriel Cooper shares his journey from Northwestern University to his current work as a licensed therapist. He specializes in working with LGBTQ+ men and those with invisible disabilities. Gabriel highlights the importance of self-esteem and the impact of societal messages on the queer community, especially those who are dating. He discusses the barriers to connection in dating, including internalized stereotypes. Gabriel offers advice on building self-confidence and recognizing genuine connections. He concludes with a quote from RuPaul, emphasizing the importance of self-love in forming meaningful relationships.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:05 Background and Journey to Northwestern
03:14 Transition to Therapy
08:57 Focus on LGBTQ+ and Invisible Disabilities
10:59 The Role of Self-Esteem
15:40 Barriers to Connection in Dating
18:18 Self-Criticism and Stereotypes
29:13 Building Self-Confidence
37:20 Recognizing Connection
42:28 Promoting Self-Esteem and Self-Confidence
45:46 Closing Remarks

Nick Winters is a classicist and former physicist specializing in ancient mathematics and science. His dissertation proposed a major revision to the history of Greek mathematics, organizing ancient mathematical texts into networks of information transmission and methodology. Outside of mathematics, Dr. Winters' work has included projects in ancient medicine, music, engineering, and practical sciences such as surveying and accounting, weaving and textile arts, timekeeping, and navigation. He is an editor of the undergraduate research journal Philomathes, and a member of the Hellenic Institute for Cultural Diplomacy and the Trans in Classics organization.

Special thanks to the host of Nick's episode, Moe Ari Brown. Moe is a 2x Northwestern University alumnus. He's spent the last decade as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, supporting LGBTQIA+ relationships, writing academically, being an adjunct professor, public speaking, and currently serving as the Love and Connection Expert at Hinge.

Interested in updates and exclusive invitations from Northwestern’s global LGBTQ+ affinity club? NUPAC is free to join! You can also express interest in joining us as a guest or podcast volunteer!

Mark T. Berry is a graduate of the class of 2023 from Northwestern. They studied Theater Management and Business, and were involved with numerous theater organizations and productions during their time on campus. In 2022, Mark received the NUPAC Scholarship Award for demonstrating contributions to the LGBTQ community through leadership, service, and volunteering.

Now, Mark is starting work in the production department at Imagination Stage, a renowned children’s theater in Bethesda, Maryland. You can find them on Instagram at @marktberry!

Special thanks to the host of Mark's episode, Moe Ari Bown. Moe is a 2x Northwestern University alumnus. He's spent the last decade as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, supporting LGBTQIA+ relationships, writing academically, being an adjunct professor, public speaking, and currently serving as the Love and Connection Expert at Hinge.

Interested in updates and exclusive invitations from Northwestern’s global LGBTQ+ affinity club? NUPAC is free to join! You can also express interest in joining us as a guest or podcast volunteer!

Moe Ari Brown is a leading mental health expert in the realm of Transgender Identity. Over the past decade, Moe has worked with LGBTQIA+ individuals, couples, and families as a therapist and in his other work. 

Through their own personal and professional explorations of their identity, Moe is now an expert in cultivating radical authenticity and was Hinge’s first-ever Love and Connections Expert. Moe has been featured in a broad array of media outlets including USA Today, Out Magazine, Discover Magazine, and TEDx.

Moe is a two-time Northwestern alum with a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from the Graduate School as well as a Bachelor of Science from the School of Education and Social Policy.

Interested in updates and exclusive invitations from Northwestern’s global LGBTQ+ affinity club? NUPAC is free to join! 

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, theatre maker Pallas Gutierrez and host Len Iaquinta explore LatinX identity in Broadway musicals through the lens of Bernstein's West Side Story.

Pallas Gutierrez is a theatre maker from New York City. They are a teaching artist, playwright, and stagehand. Pallas is especially interested in exploring queerness and Latinidad on stage.

Interested in updates and exclusive invitations from Northwestern’s global LGBTQ+ affinity club? NUPAC is free to join! 

Paul Marchegiani is an entertainment executive, educator, and experienced stage performer who is passionate about all aspects of artistic and civic communication. He graduated Northwestern in 2000 with degrees in Voice & Opera (B.Mus.) and History (B.A.). He also participated in the Musical Theatre Certificate Program. 

After getting his J.D. from U.C. Berkeley, Paul worked as a litigation attorney for two top San Francisco law firms before moving to Los Angeles with his partner of 21 years (also a Northwestern graduate!). 

As a business affairs executive in Hollywood, Paul has negotiated high-profile talent, rights, and licensing deals for NBCUniversal, Miramax, Warner Bros., and starting in July, Amazon Studios.

 As a teacher and consultant, Paul developed and taught Entertainment Law courses for U.C. Berkeley and Chapman. He frequently teaches improvisation, presence, and performance skills to executives and lawyers at conferences and law firms around the country. Most recently, Paul conceived and taught a popular course at he University of Chicago entitled "Presence: Performance Skills for Lawyers", where he marries as many of his academic and professional interests as possible.

 Paul is also passionate about LGBTQ+ equality and representation, and has served on the boards of the National LGBT Bar Association and the organization that formed the foundation of the NU Pride Alumni Club (NUPAC).

Interested in updates and exclusive invitations from Northwestern’s global LGBTQ+ affinity club? NUPAC is free to join! 

Alisha Gomez-Shah is a 2x Northwestern graduate and former sabre fencing student-athlete. hey currently work in the Athletic Department at Northwestern with the fencing team, serve on the Communications Committee for the Department's Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion workgroup, and is the staff liaison for Athlete Alliance (LGBTQ+ and Ally affinity space for student-athletes).

Interested in updates and exclusive invitations from Northwestern’s global LGBTQ+ affinity club? NUPAC is free to join!

Dr. James Andrew Ellzy, II is the MHS GENESIS Clinical Functional Champion at the Defense Health Agency, Department of Defense. He retired from the United States Navy in 2018. 

James received his received his Medical Doctorate from the East Tennessee State University James H. Quillen College of Medicine. He received his Masters in Medical Informatics and Bachelor of Arts in Computer Studies from Northwestern University. James is also an avid ballet dancer!

Interested in updates and exclusive invitations from Northwestern’s global LGBTQ+ affinity club? NUPAC is free to join!