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
Trans Non-Binary Person Discovers Himself During the Pandemic. “I Feel Super Great to Have Dared.”
Mi nombre es Río y soy de Sonora, México. En el 2015 estaba en un proyecto que se llamaba “Voces de mujeres, historias que transforman”, donde éramos un grupo de compañeras...
From Dance Class to Bible Study to Basic Training, Queer Woman Finally Finds Her Identity.
My name is Staci Molinar, and I’m from Chicago, Illinois. I grew up in an upper-middle class suburb that was very diverse, and very inclusive, and welcoming for all individuals. ...
Gay Sex Worker Finds Confidence In Himself & His Work. “What Is There To Be Ashamed Of?”
My name is Tomik Dash. I am from Brooklyn, New York. Nine years ago, I was living in London, England. I went there on the plan to be there for two weeks. All these things started h...
Fun Home Changes Course of Lesbian’s Life. “Representation Really Can Make or Break Someone’s Path.”
Hi, my name is Emily. I’m from Queens, New York. So in 2015, I was in a class called the physics of technical theater. And in that class, one of the things we had to do was creat...
From Anderson Cooper to Heartstopper, Gay Man Learns the Value of Living for Himself.
My name is Kevin Bentley, and I’m from Baltimore, Maryland. When I was 17, my brother came out as bisexual. He put it out there and was just, “This is it. No room for discussio...
Closeted Gay Athlete In Small Town Finds Hope in Will & Grace. “That Show Saved My Life.”
My name is Brandon Hines. I’m from Dublin, Georgia. When I was about, I would say 10 or so years old, I was very masculine, very into sports. I was the typical boy. I had a cousi...
Queer Woman Honors Friend’s Life By Coming Out And Living Fearlessly.
My name is Jina and I’m from Marietta, Georgia. When I was growing up in Marietta, which is this majority white conservative suburb of Atlanta, I was very much an outsider. I als...
New Country, New Style, New Hair Brings Out the Swagger in Gender Nonconforming Woman.
My name is Vi Andrews and I’m from Miami, Florida. I’m living at my parents’ house at this time. It was at the midway point of COVID. It’s been about a year and a half, and...
Closeted Gay College Athlete Learns to Speak Up For Others Following Transformative Pride Experience. “It Makes You A Better Person.”
Hi, my name is Dre’Quan Reed. I was born and raised in New Brunswick, New Jersey. I grew up in an area where it was pretty much a lot of masculinity going around. I had to presen...
Gay Man Acknowledges Sexuality at High School Retreat, Then Comes Out To Mom. “I Will Not Allow Darkness To Creep Over My Life.”
I’m Trevor McCray and I’m from Baltimore, Maryland. In my family, there’s a rule – I don’t know about yours – but it’s an unspoken rule that family business stays wit...
Non-Binary Person Inspired to Explore Gender Identity and Leave Toxic Ex During COVID Lockdown. “I Had Finally Chosen Myself.”
I’m Taylor McKenzi and I’m from Austin, Texas. When I was younger, I knew that I wasn’t like the other little girls around me. When we would play pretend I would often choose...
Gay Man Reconciles Faith and Sexuality After Profanity-Laden Defense of Mother at Church.
Hi, I’m Danny Lopez. I am from Austin, Texas. Thirteen, 14 years ago, I started dating this guy. Everything was going good and well. Unfortunately, he was outed. In a way I was h...