AI-assisted summary

Two childhood acquaintances reconnected later in life, with one mentoring the other after he came out as gay at age 72.

Lou Tingle lived most of his life as a straight man, including two marriages, before coming to terms with his sexuality after his second wife passed away.

Barry Steiger, who came out in his 20s, has helped Tingle navigate the LGBTQ+ community and embrace his authentic self.

Tingle hopes sharing his story of coming out later in life will inspire others who may be facing similar fears and unknowns.

In the late 1960s, Barry Steiger admired how a Boy Scout four years older than him knew how to tie every knot.

Lou Tingle's vast merit badge collection from his days with Troop 228 illustrated just how much more Steiger had to learn about survival, agr

See Full Page