In this episode of Chaps Out, host Grant Philpott talks with Mark. Originally from Zimbabwe, Mark has lived in the UK for over 24 years. After 32 years with his wife and raising two daughters together, his world was turned upside down when she died suddenly in 2023. After her death, Mark reflected on his own life and feelings he'd kept buried since his teenage years. In his late 50s, he came out as gay and began exploring a side of himself he'd never felt able to before. Mark talks about his childhood in Zimbabwe, the heartbreak of losing his wife, telling his family, and a chance encounter on holiday in Sitges that led to an unexpected relationship. It's a moving story about grief, love and finding the courage to start a new chapter, while never forgetting the life that came before. 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. Subscribe to Chaps Out for new episodes and join us having these important conversations. Please rate & review, it really helps the podcast reach the people who may need to hear it. 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/ Don’t miss our companion podcast, CHAPS OUT CULTURE, where guests recommend their favourite LGBTQ+ inspired art, music, literature, film, theatre, and TV. #comingoutstory #lgbtq #Gay #comingout #authenticity #personalgrowth #mentalhealth #lgbtqstories #ChapsOut #mentalhealthawareness #mentalwellness Get full access to ChapsOutPod's Substack at chapsoutpod.substack.com/subscribe
