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 “Jose” To “Joe” And Back Again: Gay Man Creates Alternate Identity To Overcome Trauma.
Hi. My name is Jose Ramon. I’m from the Bronx, New York. I was 13. I lived on Riverside Drive on 160th and Riverside. Beautiful neighborhood. My mother and father were both born ...
Tensions Ease After Gay Man Comes Out To Mom. “It Just Changed Things For The Better.”
My name is Aaron. I’m from Detroit, Michigan. Growing up, I always felt a little bit different and I was also more of an introvert. So I didn’t have a lot of friends – I was ...
Gay Man Forgives His Family For Traumatic Childhood. “I Did That For Myself Because I Needed To Heal.”
Hello. My name is Luis and I’m from Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. My mother was intermittently present. She used to live in a different city. My father wasn’t around or was...
After Hitting Rock Bottom, Gay Man Adopts A Dog. “I Have A Great Life With An Amazing, Little, Bitchy Dog.”
Hi. My name’s Rob Garofalo. I’m from Parsippany, New Jersey. I’ve led a pretty charmed life or a life of privilege and then, you know, at about the age of 39 or right before ...
Gay Man’s Life Changes After Adoption Of Son. “He’s The Most Important Thing In My Life Right Now.”
Hi. My name’s Tariem Burroughs and I am from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. My partner and I, we always knew we wanted to have kids, even when we first met. Luckily a person that I ...
After Addiction Ends His Political Career, Gay Man Bounces Back And Finds A New Purpose In Life.
My name is Aaron Lawlor and I’m from Vernon Hills, Illinois. At the age of 21, I was appointed to my local library board. By 23, I was elected president of that board. My career ...
Nothing Can Stop This Gay, Undocumented Immigrant From Serving His Community.
My name is Christian Mendoza. I was born in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. I remember at the age of 5, my dad – he was a police officer in the narcotics and gang unit. Every time he w...
Gay Man Confronts Mental Illness, Addiction And His HIV Diagnosis With The Help Of Others. “I Found My Place In The Gay Community.”
So my name is Coleman Goode. I’m from Hallettsville, Texas. When I was 25 years old, I checked myself into a mental hospital because I tried to commit suicide. I, also, at that t...
Despite Conservative Mormon Upbringing, Gay Man Learns To Accept His Truth. “Huge Relief To Finally Be Who I Am.”
I’m Brenton Erickson. I am from Mesa, Arizona. When I was 10, I remember a night that my parents were out on a date. I have a ton of older siblings. We’re all at home in this o...
Kicked Out By His Mom, Queer High School Student Uses Newfound “Alone Time” To Explore His Sexuality.
My name is Darren Mallett. I am from East Flatbush, Brooklyn. My mother and I moved from Brooklyn to Tampa, Florida to escape New York. We lived in a one bedroom apartment, so I ca...
Gay Man Claps Back At Homophobic Boss. “It’s Been A Delight Working With Everybody Else. But Not You.”
My name is Barton Lee Jackson II. I’m from Eagle, Idaho. Idaho is an at-will employment state, so by the same concept that you can leave your job at any point without any justifi...
Gay Jamaican Man Escapes Violence And Seeks Asylum In The United States.
Hi, my name is Adrian. I am from St. Ann, Jamaica. I spent most of my life growing up with my mom in Jamaica. It was pretty difficult for me because I found out at an early age tha...
