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 Collections Stories
Non-Binary Person Thrives After Finding Supportive Community. “I Feel Very Optimistic.”
Hi, I’m Vic. I’m from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. When I was younger, I felt like I knew I was different and my body was not mine. And the way I remembe...
Trans Man Breaks Free From Evangelical Cult and Finds Supportive Community.
I’m Andy, and I’m from Tallahassee, Florida. So I was raised in an evangelical cult. I didn’t realize that at the time. I thought this was a normal church and n...
Out of the Closet, Into the Mayor’s Office. Todd Gloria’s Coming Out Journey Gives Hope to Others
Hi, my name is Todd Gloria, and I was born and raised in San Diego. I’m a third-generation San Diegan and I now serve as the mayor of my hometown. I was probably about four...
Music to His Ears: Competitive Karaoke Helps Gay Man Find the Confidence to Come Out & Help Others
My name is Vu Doan. I am from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Grew up in a very conservative Vietnamese, Buddhist household. So I had girlfriends and was very much focused on school as ...
From Threatened to Celebrated: Gay Cop Leaves Law Enforcement, Comes Out, Becomes Educator & Thrives
I’m Greg Miraglia, and I’m from Moraga, California. In 1978, I discovered law enforcement as a possible career. I got really excited about it and I had a chance to jo...
Gay Man Pushes Back Against Mother’s Anti-Gay Vitriol and Their Relationship Thrives as a Result.
Hi, I’m Kai Ambakad from Fullerton, California. I was 19 and I was going to do errands and just have a good day with my mom. So we went out on a Sunday and we were shopping f...
Three Weddings and a Reconciliation: How One Trans Man’s Patience Helped Heal Family Wounds
Hi, my name is Connor Maddocks. I’m from San Diego, California. When I was say about 45 years old, this amazing thing called the Internet came out and I met some folks onli...
Gay College Grad’s Bravery Inspires Incoming Freshman to Come Out. “Advocacy Comes in All Shapes and Sizes.”
My name is Mike Matta. I’m from Chino, California. It was February, 2012. It was Valentine’s Day during my junior year of college at UC Santa Barbara. At that point, ...
Gay Christian Learns to Reconcile his Faith and Sexuality. “God Made Me the Way that I Am.”
Hi, I’m Cameron Reck. I’m from Sebring, Florida. One time, when I was about 12, 13 years old, I ran out to go check the mail and in the mailbox was a random men’s...
“Now It’s Time to Tell My Granddaughter.” Trans Woman Finds Love & Support After Coming Out to Family.
I’m Christynne Lili Wrene Wood, 66 years old. I’m originally from Springfield, Ohio. I’m one of those who knew from a very early age, four years of age actually...
From “Utter Agony” to Love and Trust: A Father’s Journey of Acceptance Towards His Gay Son
Hi, I’m James Palmer. I’m from Atlanta, Georgia. In my mid 20s, I reached out to a therapist because I was having some challenges with the relationship that I was in, a...
Kicked Out of the Military for Being Gay: One Man’s Experience During “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”
Hi, my name is James Garcia and I am from New York City. In 1996, I enlisted in the Air Force. During that time, don’t ask, don’t tell was in place. That means the mi...
