Summary  

In this interview David Cotton speaks with John Duerler who shares his journey of self-discovery as a gay man, navigating the complexities of coming out to his family and the challenges of maintaining relationships. He discusses the importance of being true to oneself, the supportive reactions from his family, and the creation of a community for gay fathers. John emphasizes the significance of open communication and offers advice for others in similar situations, highlighting that they are not alone in their struggles.   Keywords   coming out, LGBTQ, family dynamics, self-discovery, relationships, gay fathers, acceptance, mental health, personal growth, community support   Takeaways  

• John's journey of self-discovery began in childhood.
• He dated women for many years before coming out.
• Family support played a crucial role in his coming out process.
• John's children reacted positively to his coming out.
• He emphasizes the importance of therapy in understanding one's identity.
• John's relationship with his wife remains amicable despite their separation.
• He created a community for gay fathers to share experiences.
• John's podcast aims to help others navigate similar journeys.
• He believes in the power of open communication within families.
• John encourages others to seek help and support during their journey.

 Sound Bites

"I had to be true to myself."
"I want to come work for you."
"It gets better."
"You're not alone."
"Be true to yourself. Get help."  

Audio Chapters    

00:00 Introduction to Coming Out Journeys
03:00 Early Experiences and Realizations
05:55 Navigating Relationships and Family Dynamics
08:49 The Impact of Family and Support Systems
12:13 Coming Out to Family and Friends
15:10 Creating a Supportive Community
18:02 Reflections on Dating and Relationships
20:46 Advice for Others on Their Journey
24:07 Conclusion and Resources


Book Recommendation:  Fashionably Late: Gay, Bi, and Trans Men Who Came Out Later in Life, edited by Vinnie Kinsella.   https://a.co/d/dh3N2yM  

Podcast website and resources: https://www.OutLateWithDavid.com  

YouTube Edition:  https://youtu.be/0Dx2jCfpzlQ  

YouTube Channel:   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvsthP9yClKI4o5LxbuQnOg  

Certified Professional Life Coach, David Cotton:  https://www.DavidCottonCoaching.com  

Contact me:  mailto:david@davidcottoncoaching.com