true stories of

coming out

later in life

Join certified professional life coach David Cotton as he explores the complicated journey of coming out LGBTQ+ later in life. From personal stories to expert professional advice, “Out Late With David” examines the complex transition from the closet to true authenticity.

Do you have a story to share with David and others?

Send him an email to start the conversation.

now playing          

In this episode of Out Late With David, David talks with At Wendy Cole who, at age 67, transitioned from male to female after a lifetime of hiding her true identity. In this candid conversation, Wendy shares the emotional cost of repression, her turning point in 2014, and how she found joy, health, and purpose by finally embracing who she is. Now a mentor and advocate, Wendy is helping others navigate their own gender journeys and working to humanize what it means to be transgender.

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bonus episode

In this episode of Out Late With David, David is a guest on the podcast, Out Loud, while visiting Key West FL. Along with the hosts of Out Loud, Jon and Brian, they discuss the complexities of coming out later in life, the importance of community support, and the dynamics of relationships, especially for older gay men. He shares insights from his experiences and those of his guests, emphasizing the need for authenticity, compassion, and understanding in navigating personal journeys and family dynamics. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by older men in the dating world and offers advice on how to approach relationships with clarity and openness.

Watch all recent episodes here, or visit our YouTube channel

A story of Pride            

David Cotton tells his personal story of coming out later in life to television journalist Chenue Her of Iowa station WOI-TV.

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  • Tomm Stu

    This series is just what I’ve craved and needed for years. Decent. Respectful. Encompassing.

  • Br.Aa.Co

    David’s powerful and vulnerable conversations with his guests are very inspiring to listen to. Hearing the stories of people becoming their authentic selves and navigating their way in the world is… a beautiful thing…

  • 16830

    This is so powerful in such a positive way. David seems to have the confidence and self-comfort to help others, and to have the empathy and curiosity to learn from his guests. Really excellent.

  • PellaCher

    Out Late With David is interesting and enlightening. Thanks to this outstanding host and his guests who share their experiences so candidly.

  • heybobletstalk

    David and his guests are so honest and transparent. It takes courage to share this level of detail in a personal coming out story, especially when it comes after decades of non-disclosure.

Hi, I’m David.

Take it from me, coming out is hard.

I'm a retired Brigadier General in the Air Force, a former senior executive in the Department of Defense, and frankly, I spent decades denying and searching for my authentic self. At age 59, I told my family, and everyone else... I'm gay!

Today, I'm at peace with who I am, living an authentic life helping others through personal life coaching.

Join me as I talk with those who've made this journey, some closeted for decades, finally able to share their truth. Their stories are often both heartbreaking and inspiring.

Welcome to "Out Late With David."

David Cotton shared his own personal coming out story as a guest on these podcasts:

To get to know more about me, you can listen to Episode 50 of the podcast, Graying Rainbows: Coming Out Later in Life LGBT+, hosted by Dr. Ginger Campbell.

Christopher Veal’s podcast, The Vulnerable Man, Episode 56, sharing my story related to being a vulnerable man, where I see this as a strength and not a weakness.