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 Gender Stories

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Transitioning From Rugby Jock to Glamazon Drag Performer.

by Rudy Flesher

Transitioning From Rugby Jock to Glamazon Drag Performer.

In college, Rudy Flesher joined the rugby team, not only developing a love of the sport, but also gaining the name he now goes by. Rudy explains: It’s a name I got playing rugby,...

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“Dad, I’m Trans.” “Well, You’re Still Mine.”

by Pat

“Dad, I’m Trans.” “Well, You’re Still Mine.”

Pat knew he was different from pretty early on. He explains: I came into this world different. I knew I was different. But yet again, they put you in a box. You’re either male or...

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“Love Conquers” As Woman Marries Trans Man

by Lillian

“Love Conquers” As Woman Marries Trans Man

Lillian always imagined herself marrying “a dark bald black man.” After years of being single and realizing she’s happy being by herself, she met Michael on a personals site....

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State Satellite overhead image from Google Earth 2022

by Toby Mehalba

I’m From Ipswich, MA.

On September 7th, two precious children entered my life. They were c-sectioned, which means Macbeth better look out. They had the most precious presence, but I’ll get to that in ...

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“How Long Does It Take For Dreams To Come True?”

by Joni

“How Long Does It Take For Dreams To Come True?”

This week on I’m From Driftwood, we’re sharing stories we collected from a PFLAG (Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians And Gays) group in Omaha, Nebraska. — Joni and her...

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Satellite overhead image of Pennsylvania from Google Earth 2022

by Stefan H.

I’m From Bethlehem, PA.

I grew up in the city-suburb of Bethlehem, PA, in the heart of the Lehigh Valley, to Greek-American immigrants. Bethlehem is just like every other podunk Pennsylvanian town, except...

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Parents Evolve On Accepting Transgender Son.

by Jude

Parents Evolve On Accepting Transgender Son.

When Jude came out to his parents as a lesbian, all was well in the world. Even when I was little, my parents would sit my sister and me down and they would say, “If either of yo...

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State Satellite overhead image from Google Earth 2022

by Zachary/Rose Pantoja

I’m From Midland, MI.

Ever since I could think about myself, I never felt truly “right.” So, around four years of age, I started trying on girls’ clothes from my friends, and, when I did, I just f...

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Satellite overhead image of Vermont from Google Earth 2022

by Jake Loren

I’m From Burlington, VT.

“When did you realize you were a man?” I’m disappointed when he asks me this at the bar because it betrays his unknowing. It seems like every time I open up to someone, I ine...

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Satellite overhead image of New York State from Google Earth 2022

by April Christy

I’m From Astoria, NY.

I was born a male but decidedly so, I was born a female mentally. It has been a terrible dichotomy for me to live. I am 6’8″ tall and weigh 300 pounds. It is a trial both menta...

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Spouse Changes Gender, Couple Stays Together.

by Shellie and Randi Ruge

Spouse Changes Gender, Couple Stays Together.

Shellie and Randi Ruge have been married for more than 13 years. Years into their marriage, their commitment to each other would be put to an unexpected challenge. “Five years ag...

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Satellite overhead image of Texas from Google Earth 2022

by Siobhan Fitzpatrick

I’m From Keene, TX.

I consider myself a female-assigned genderqueer pansexual. Though I am open to dating a person of any gender or gender variant, I’ve only had experience with cismen and ciswomen....

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