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 Sexuality Stories

Go To Full Story
Gay Teacher Goes From Closeted Student to Queer Role Model

by Phillip Marcus

Gay Teacher Goes From Closeted Student to Queer Role Model

My name is Philip Marcus. I’m from the Bronx, New York.  As long as I can remember, I knew that I was different. I knew that I was gay. Because I went to an all boys Catholi...

Read More
Go To Full Story
Bisexual Awakening from a Life-Changing Kiss

by Karine

Bisexual Awakening from a Life-Changing Kiss

My name is Karine. I’m from Brooklyn, New York.  I grew up in a very conservative… conservative environment in Haiti. We went to church every week, sometimes twice a week....

Read More
Go To Full Story
Chosen Family Saved Me: Bisexual Woman Finds Saving Grace During Pandemic

by Ambika

Chosen Family Saved Me: Bisexual Woman Finds Saving Grace During Pandemic

My name is Ambika Nair. I am from Plainsboro, New Jersey.  I grew up in a conservative South Asian family. I only really realized that I was bisexual once I graduated high school....

Read More
Go To Full Story
Queer Sikh Man Uses Visibility and Experience in Healthcare to Help and Empower Others.

by Sundeep Singh Boparai

Queer Sikh Man Uses Visibility and Experience in Healthcare to Help and Empower Others.

My name is Sundeep Singh Boparai. My pronouns are he, him, his, and I’m from Queens, New York.  I was a senior in undergrad and my mom was actually making lunch for me. And ...

Read More
Go To Full Story
Queer Teen Comes Out After Dad Walks in on Him and His Boyfriend Making Out.

by Andrew Gryniewicz

Queer Teen Comes Out After Dad Walks in on Him and His Boyfriend Making Out.

I’m Andrew Gryniewicz and I’m from Seattle, Washington.  In 2013, I had a girlfriend and we had been dating for about a year and a half. And I had always felt that may...

Read More
Go To Full Story
Oprah, Rap & Naked Yoga: One Gay Man’s Coming Out Journey to Finding His Community

by Daniel

Oprah, Rap & Naked Yoga: One Gay Man’s Coming Out Journey to Finding His Community

Hi, I’m Daniel, from Houston, Texas.    When I was 11 years old, I was at my aunt’s house and my mom happened to be watching an episode of Oprah. I noticed it was...

Read More
Go To Full Story
Gay Man Reconnects with Family After Overcoming Shame and Learning to Live Authentically

by Chauncey Dandridge

Gay Man Reconnects with Family After Overcoming Shame and Learning to Live Authentically

Hey, I’m Chauncey Dandridge. I’m from Harrison, New Jersey.  My family was very macho. There was always sports on the television. I’m one of three boys, grew up ...

Read More
Go To Full Story
Gay Man Frees Himself from the Grip of Addiction. “My Life Started to Get Better.”

by Gary Lane

Gay Man Frees Himself from the Grip of Addiction. “My Life Started to Get Better.”

Hi, my name’s Gary Lane. I’m from Austin, Texas.  I don’t remember exactly when, but I think it was either late high school or maybe right after. One day just at...

Read More
Go To Full Story
From Peer Pressure & Unhealthy Habits to Pride & Self Love: How One Gay Man Turned His Life Around.

by Dario Beck Torres

From Peer Pressure & Unhealthy Habits to Pride & Self Love: How One Gay Man Turned His Life Around.

My name is Dario Beck Torres, and I’m from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. So I grew up in a fairly religious environment. I remember one time being pulled aside by this lady. I didn&#...

Read More
Go To Full Story
Back On Track: Gay Man Finds Fulfillment By Prioritizing His Dreams Over Partying & Distractions.

by Daniel

Back On Track: Gay Man Finds Fulfillment By Prioritizing His Dreams Over Partying & Distractions.

My name is Daniel. I’m from Guanajuato, Mexico. And when I was 15 years old, I moved to the United States, specifically Reno, Nevada. Ever since when I was a little kid, I al...

Read More
Go To Full Story
Keeping Austin Weird: How One Queer Woman Learned to Let Her Freak Flag Fly.

by Erica Nix

Keeping Austin Weird: How One Queer Woman Learned to Let Her Freak Flag Fly.

I’m Erica Nix. I’m from Arlington, Texas. Arlington, when I was growing up, was a pretty conservative place. It wasn’t really that cool to be different, and I alw...

Read More
Go To Full Story
Put It In Writing: Gay Man Learns Tough Lesson After Losing His Partner – and Everything They Built.

by Alfred Engstrand

Put It In Writing: Gay Man Learns Tough Lesson After Losing His Partner – and Everything They Built.

Hello, my name is Alfred Engstrand. I’m from San Antonio, Texas.  When I was 25 years old, I was approached by an older gentleman who needed my help to run his restaurant, b...

Read More