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 Gay Men Stories
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...
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...
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 ...
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...
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&#...
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...
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...
X-Men & Real-Life Heroes Inspire Gay Man to Become a “Super Lawyer”
Hi, I’m Rick Anderson. I’m from Pearland, Texas. I grew up in the Clear Lake, Friendswood area in my early childhood in the eighties and nineties. And it was a communit...
“I Don’t Want You To Go.” Gay Soldier Dares to Love Amidst a Backdrop of War & Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell
I’m João Kiser from Milledgeville, Georgia. I came out when I was 16 and then I joined the military at 21, which was something I did not want to do because of the kind of ma...
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...
