I was an only child
A hallmark of men who come out late in life is dearth of genuine friends. You can't get real with people if you are hiding something or in denial, etc. (I think I hold the world record in denial--more on that at some point.) I am part of a support group called HOW (Husbands Out to Wives) for men that are married and are gay/bi. We just finished the annual retreat and as each man poured their heart and anguish out, I just got overwhelmed by it. I am highly highly sensitive and my empathy is endless almost. But as I spent the weekend talking, learning, laughing, eating -- I began to regard these men as my brothers.
https://how-support.org/ (if anyone reading this is in a similar situation, please reach out to me)

I was an only child
when I sat in that
emotional and vulnerable
circle of men
each sharing and shaking
as the searing pain in their lungs dissipated
from breathing the life-giving oxygen
of unconditional acceptance and understanding
sitting to their left and to their right
trembling voices finally speaking
what their heart has always known
no longer bearing alone
the unspoken shames
of their true selves
as I felt the unbearable exhausting enveloping weight
crushing and crumbling their sweet souls
begin to lift for the very first time
in their long longing lives
my tears began to seep
from that hurt-flooded place
deep in my heart
as I realized
that I was hearing the
collective shared family stories
of my newfound brothers
because I was no longer
an only child
no matter where I travel
in my hopefully remaining long, long life
I will always have
my family of brothers that love me
unconditionally
even if our DNA says otherwise