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
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,...
I’m From Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Shortly after graduating high school in 2002 I was mentally preparing myself to “come out” to my parents. My parents were the first people who I wanted to share this with becau...
I’m From Riverside, CA.
It all started as I kicked out of the womb. No, I didn’t have an epiphany as I ventured down the birth canal. And it wasn’t some stress of being birthed that caused me to be ga...
Richard Socarides Recalls Coming Out To His Dad, One of the Founders of Conversion Therapy
While everyone’s coming out story is different, Richard Socarides’ might be one of the most unique. Richard, who served as President Clinton’s senior adviser on gay rights, e...
I’m From Rootstown, OH.
Bags are packed. Rejected by peers and family members. I take a deep breath as I go through the security line at the airport. At first the obvious questions begin to race through m...
AIDS Activist and Radio DJ Explain How Their Relationship Works
Edward Strickler would rather talk about his AIDS activism. Jim would rather talk about his favorite African guitarist, Diblo Dibala. They met in 1981 and have been together since....
I’m From The Bronx, NY.
“Hey you, you in the leather jacket, what are you a faggot?” I was on my way to work in the North Bronx, when I heard a teenager yelling this at me from across the street. He w...
A Gay Man’s Journey of Marrying a Straight Woman.
Todd Howard was gay, out, and lived in San Francisco. He then married a woman. We ended up getting married because I had, with all my relationships with males in San Francisco, sor...
I’m From Sydney, Australia.
I’ve always known that I was gay. Well before I had even heard the word, or knew its full implications. I never believed it to be wrong, how could love be so? But growing up in a...
Gay Man Recounts His NYC Life in the 1960s
Gilbert Parker has had a full life. The retired literary and talent agent from William Morris Agency shares stories of his NYC life in the 1960s, which includes a comedic near-hook...
I’m From Knoxville, TN.
I was at my friend’s apartment and we were all drinking and waiting for people so we could go to a party. We were finally on our way to the party and everything seemed normal. Un...
Store Owner Finds Success After Being Open and Honest.
Philip Rafshoon wanted to open a gay bookstore. He went through all the normal challenges of starting a business but the most difficult was one he certainly wasn’t expecting. Whe...
