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
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...
Gay Man Grateful After Coming Out to Parents: “You Never Know How Long We’re Going To Be Around.”
My name is Edison and I’m from New York City. I grew up in a loving but extremely conservative household. My family, my parents were immigrants, are immigrants from Ecuador, ...
First Love Compels Gay Man to Mend Fences with his Mom. “There is a Light at the End of the Tunnel.”
I’m Junior Suazo and I’m from Miami, Florida. My family is from Nicaragua. I’m a first generation college graduate and I come from a Catholic background. Growin...
Top, Bottom or Vers? Gay Man Defies Social Pressure and Comes Out as a Side.
I’m Tim, and I’m from Montclair, New Jersey. I came out in three separate occasions over a summer. The first one was, “I think I might be gay.” And the se...
Gay Man Reunites with Estranged Father After Seven Years. “It Takes Time But You Gotta Work at It.”
Hi, my name is Nick from Toms River, New Jersey. I was in my mid 20s living in New York City. I met a guy, I went home with him. We had a really wonderful night. We decided that we...
After Coming Out to Filipino Immigrant Parents, Gay Man Learns to Stop Seeking Approval From Others.
I’m Justin Senense, and I’m from Abilene, Texas. I was raised under three pillars. I would say for a Filipino family, it was always food, then it was family, and then i...
Gay Man Loses Loved One to Addiction & Learns “It Wasn’t Up to Me. It Was Up to Him.”
So my name is Peter Horjus. I’m from Grand Rapids, Michigan. I moved to New Orleans where we are now about 22 years ago. Frank and I met, my gosh, I guess it must have been...
After Being Called the F-Word at a Straight Wedding, Gay Man Immerses Himself in the Queer Community.
My name is Marc Barrett, and I’m from Belchertown, Massachusetts. In the late 70s, when I was basically on the road with a band as a musician and entertainer, I had to watc...
After Standing Up to Abusive Father, Gay Immigration Lawyer Dedicates His Career to Helping Others.
My name is Will, I’m from Houston, Texas. From an early age, I realized I was different and didn’t fit in with other children my age. I loved the color purple and for...
“I’m a Son. I’m a Gay Man. I’m a Teacher. I’m a Christian.” Gay Man Learns to Embrace His Whole Self.
I’m Patrick Tirino. I’m from Astoria, New York. I always knew I was gay from a very, very small age. I could vividly remember a picture that’s still in my mother&...
Gay Activist Comes Out to Parents Before the Local News Does It for Him.
My name is Kris Banks and I’m from Alvin, Texas. So I was in law school, but I was also getting pretty heavily involved in local politics. I was starting to work with some of...