Guest speaker: Steven Bouris shares his story

On May 15th, we had the pleasure of welcoming Steven Bouris as our guest speaker. A keynote speaker and author, Steven shared his story about living with a rare skin condition called a giant congenital melanocytic nevus, often referred to as a “hairy nevus.”

From the moment Steve began speaking, it was clear that this was more than just a medical story. It was a story about identity, resilience, and the power of vulnerability. Steven described being born with a condition that makes him visibly different from others, and how that difference shaped his childhood, his relationships, and his sense of self. He spoke openly about the emotional toll of growing up in a world that often equates appearance with acceptance.

Steven spoke about the stares, the questions, the misconceptions and how over time, he found the courage to stop hiding and start embracing who he is. Through his journey, he has become an advocate for awareness and acceptance, not just for those with visible differences but for anyone who has ever felt out of place. He also spoke about his trip to the Nevus Outreach Shine Conference in St. Louis, USA. The conference, held in a different US city each year, brings together individuals with nevi, their families, and healthcare professionals for education, support, and community.

Steven’s plan for an Australian non-profit are currently in the works, with a launch date set for next month. Steven also has an upcoming launch for his book ‘Different: From Trauma to Triumph’.

To learn more about Steven and his inspiring work, please visit his website at https://stevenbouris.com.au/

As Rotarians, we were reminded of our core values — service, empathy, and human connection. Steve’s story challenged us to look beyond appearances and to meet people with curiosity and compassion rather than assumptions. It was a powerful reminder that inclusion starts with listening.