40 Plus: Gay Men. Gay Talk.28 Nov 2025

Coming Out at 70: The Courage to Be Courageous with – Dan Bolen

What does it take to come out, really come out, when you’ve spent a lifetime hiding behind shame, success, and survival? In this episode of 40 Plus: Gay Men, Gay Talk, Rick Clemons sits down with author Dan Bolin, whose memoir The Courage to Be Courageous tells the story of coming out at 70, healing religious trauma, and learning to love himself as a beautiful gay man. It’s raw. It’s real. And it’s a reminder that no matter your age, it’s never too late to live free and authentic. 3 Key Takeaways From This Episode:

It’s never too late to live your truth. Whether you’re 25 or 75, self-acceptance starts the moment you stop apologizing for who you are.
Shame doesn’t define you—unless you let it. Healing begins when you stop living by other people’s rules and start writing your own.
Your story can save lives. Sharing your truth helps others break their silence and step into courage.

About Dan

Dan Bolen spent 50 years building a national reputation in executive recruiting—founding the #1 executive search firm in the country—while secretly battling the weight of addiction, faith, and identity. Raised in a strict Jehovah’s Witness household and twice married, Dan didn’t come out as gay until his seventies, after retirement stripped away his old hiding places.

Today, he shares his hard-won story of loss, liberation, and finally finding peace by living authentically and in his book entitled The Courage To Be Courageous: A memoir of struggle, success, and truth.

Connect With Dan Website Instagram Facebook Hey Guys, Check This Out! Are you a guy who keeps struggling to do that thing? You know the thing you keep telling yourself and others you’re going to do, but never do? Then it’s time to get real and figure out why. Join the 40 Plus: Gay Men Gay Talk, monthly chats. They happen the third Monday of each month at 5:00 pm Pacific - Learn More! Also, join our Facebook Community - 40 Plus: Gay Men, Gay Talk Community Break free of fears. Make bold moves. Live life without apologies

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