In this conversation, David Cotton speaks with David Nygaard about his journey of coming out as gay later in life. They discuss the challenges of recognizing one's identity in a society that often stigmatizes homosexuality, the complexities of navigating relationships and marriage, and the impact of a significant health crisis on Nygaard's life. Nygaard shares his experiences of embracing authenticity, his political aspirations, and the importance of open communication in relationships. The conversation concludes with advice for those in mixed orientation marriages, emphasizing the need for self-acceptance and seeking professional guidance.  David also offers advice for others who may be struggling with their identity and relationships.  

Keywords   coming out, LGBTQ+, self-discovery, relationships, authenticity, heart attack, personal growth, life changes, gay marriage, mental health  

Takeaways  

• Coming out later in life can be a complex journey.
• David Nygaard's story reflects the complexities of self-discovery.
• Growing up, he felt an early attraction to men but lacked the language to express it.
• He wore a metaphorical mask to hide his true self.
• His involvement in evangelical Christianity was a way to escape depression.
• David's marriage was filled with happiness despite his hidden sexuality.
• The divorce allowed him to explore his identity more freely.
• He experienced a life-changing heart attack that prompted a reevaluation of his life.
• Authenticity became a priority after his health crisis.
• Political activism can be a way to impact the community positively.
• It's important to seek therapy to navigate mixed orientation marriages.
• David Cotton emphasizes the importance of dating oneself before seeking a partner.
• He encourages others to seek therapy to navigate their feelings.

 Sound Bites  

• "My story reads like a soap opera."
• "I always had an affinity or an attraction to guys."
• "We grew up in an age where it was illegal to be gay."
• "I put on what I'd say is a three foot mask."  

Audio Chapters  

00:00 Awakening to Identity
05:40 Navigating Relationships and Marriage
10:02 Embracing Authenticity Post-Divorce
18:16 Health Crisis and Life Changes
24:32 Political Aspirations and Community Impact
27:55 Building a New Relationship
30:47 Advice for Those in Mixed Orientation Marriages  

Book Recommendation:  “Is My Husband Gay, Straight or Bi?” by Joe Kort. https://a.co/d/0J2egb1  

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

YouTube Edition:  https://youtu.be/4ius0O4Y_8U

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

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

Contact me:  [email protected]

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