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I'm From Driftwood

The stories on I’m From Driftwood send a simple but powerful message to LGBTQIA+ people everywhere: You are not alone. I’m From Driftwood combats isolation and creates empathy to build a more understanding and accepting world. These are our stories, told in our own voices.

Latest Coming Out Stories

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Satellite overhead image of North Dakota from Google Earth 2022

by Michael N.

I’m From Davenport, ND.

I was raised in Fargo, North Dakota. I always knew I was different, but not sure how. I wanted to fit in and date girls in high school and actually dated some very attractive ones....

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Satellite overhead image of Rhode Island from Google Earth 2022

by Joseph Ferreira

I’m From Newport, RI.

It took my mother’s diagnosis and death from a glioblastoma brain tumor in 2004 to finally make me realize that going through life closeted was no option at all. I’d known I wa...

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Satellite overhead image of New York State from Google Earth 2022

by Mitch Butin

I’m From Little Neck, NY.

I’m 54 years old, divorced, father of three. I am gay. Of course, I always knew I was attracted to men, but I denied this and followed what I thought was a more “normal” path...

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State Satellite overhead image from Google Earth 2022

by Zach Sewell

I’m From Joplin, MO.

My voice was unsettled, nervous, and faltering as I began to tell my parents that their son of 18 years did not like girls. That moment of sheer terror is imprinted on the very fab...

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State Satellite overhead image from Google Earth 2022

by Mikey Rox

I’m From Glen Burnie, MD – Video Story.

If you’re interested in being in a Video Story, just let me know and we’ll set up a time and place to meet. Watch all the IFD Video Stories here. For the transcript, Continu...

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Satellite overhead image of Tennessee from Google Earth 2022

by Andre Woodard

I’m From Goodlettsville, TN.

I’m only 16 years old today, but I tried to come out to my parents when I was barely 14. I had a boyfriend at the time who I was crazy about. My mom took up my phone because I wa...

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Google Earth Satellite Image of Hong Kong

by Kit Yeung

I’m From Shaukeiwan, Hong Kong.

Dear peers, teachers, extended friends and some family members: I am gay. Not sure what will you say about it, but I hope you can spend some time with me here. Being closeted for t...

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State Satellite overhead image from Google Earth 2022

by Adam R.

I’m From St. Paul, MN.

I come from a small suburb known for being Catholic and Irish. I then went onto a University that is known for the same and very closeted. I was a leader in my community and in my ...

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I’m From Chandler, AZ.

by Bruce Cabanayan

I’m From Chandler, AZ.

The coming out was quick. When it happened, there were a few breathless moments that seemed painfully extended, but once the words were said, it was pretty much over. Both my frien...

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State Satellite overhead image from Google Earth 2022

by Allen S.

I’m From Fort Wayne, IN.

I came out at 27 in 2009. I feel like such a loser saying that. I have a lot of younger friends who came out in middle school, in high school, college… but I really didn’t figu...

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Satellite overhead image of Tennessee from Google Earth 2022

by Mikey B.

I’m From Wartburg, TN.

I came out of the closet in my senior year in high school. I was one of those “goth” kids that always wore black and listened to whiny and sad music. When my senior year starte...

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I’m From Tampico, Tamps, Mexico.

by Rob C.

I’m From Tampico, Tamps, Mexico.

I’m the older brother of a small family. I just recently came out to my parents, and it was by far the hardest thing I’ve done. In my 20 years of life I’ve only seen my dad c...

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