Coming Out at 55: Dave Kenealy | CHAPS OUT

In this episode of Chaps Out, host Grant Philpott is joined by Dave Kenealy, who shares his story of coming out as a gay man at 55 after marriage, fatherhood, and a career in. Dave  Police work. He reflects on growing up in a time when being gay was not socially acceptable, the pressure to live the life he thought was expected of him, and the emotional weight of carrying that secret for so long. He speaks candidly about his marriage, the difficult but compassionate conversations that followed his coming out, and the relief of finally being able to live as his true self.The conversation also explores Dave’s experiences serving in the Metropolitan Police during an era of open hostility towards gay men, the lasting impact of those attitudes, and how social change has shaped both his journey and the lives of younger generations today. With warmth and clarity, Dave offers reassurance to anyone questioning whether it’s “too late” to come out, sharing why living openly is worth the challenges and why you are never alone in this experience. This episode is a moving reminder that sexuality is just one part of who we are, and that it’s never too late to choose honesty, self-acceptance, and a life lived on your own terms.Chaps Out is a UK-based podcast giving voice to perspectives you don’t often hear. We provide relatable, uplifting, and positive conversations that offer encouragement, affirmation, and support for anyone on the journey of coming out, while celebrating and supporting bisexual and gay men. Don’t miss our companion podcast, CHAPS OUT CULTURE, where guests recommend their favourite LGBTQ+ inspired art, music, literature, film, theatre, and TV. Subscribe to Chaps Out for new episodes and join us having these important conversations. If you’d like to support Chaps Out and help with running costs and keep the conversations flowing, amplifying voices and inspiring others, you can contribute at https://Ko-Fi.com/chapsoutpod & https://chapsoutpod.substack.com/ #ChapsOut #podcast #uk #British #Men #comingout #LaterInLife #lgbtq #mentalwellness #LGBTQPodcast #GayMen #ComingOutLaterInLife #AuthenticLiving  Get full access to ChapsOutPod's Substack at chapsoutpod.substack.com/subscribe