Dan Bolen - at age 70 he came out as gay, was kicked out of his church and ended his second marriage

Dan Bolen shares his journey of self-discovery and acceptance as a gay man after living a life of denial and fear. He discusses the challenges he faced in a restrictive religious community and the fear of losing his family and friends. Dan's story highlights the importance of being honest with oneself and embracing authenticity. He emphasizes the power of finding a supportive community and having a voice. Dan's memoir and podcast serve as a source of inspiration and empowerment for others on a similar journey. Takeaways Be honest with yourself and define who you are. Don't look for someone outside of you to define who you are. Finding a supportive community is crucial for self-acceptance. Having a voice and embracing authenticity are empowering. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:02 Realizing Difference and Fear of Rejection 03:17 Burying and Denying One's True Self 04:13 Marriage and Denial of Sexuality 05:38 Disfellowshiped and Shunned by the Church 07:30 Accepting Bisexuality as a Coping Mechanism 08:55 Accepting and Embracing Authentic Self 10:07 Coming Out and the Lowest Point 11:02 First Experience with a Man and Validation 12:29 Divorce and Finding a New Community 15:17 Defining Self and Having a Voice 24:21 Being Honest with Yourself 27:32 Advice for Those Questioning Their Sexuality 29:06 Reflection and Impact Dan Bolen's Memoir, The Courage to be Courageous: https://a.co/d/6x7yl0r Dan Bolen's Website:  https://danbolen.com/ Book Recommendation: Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We live, Love, Parent, and Lead by Brené Brown. https://a.co/d/ah7pXuT Podcast website and resources: https://www.OutLateWithDavid.com Certified Professional Life Coach, David Cotton: https://www.DavidCottonCoaching.com Contact me: david@davidcottoncoaching.com