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 Man Comes Out In The Workplace. “Be Who You Are, Embrace Who You Are, Leverage Your Differences.”
Hi, my name is Steve and I’m from north Jersey. I began working in the retail apparel industry out of college and it was predominantly a very safe environment for someone in the ...
Straight Father Creates Safe Space For Gay Son. “It’s Important To Talk To The Children About Everything.”
My name is Freddy Rojas and I’m from Hoboken, New Jersey. In 1984, I graduated high school and went straight into the army at the age of 17. When I got out of the military, in 19...
After Tough Adoption Process, Gay Couple Finally Expands Their Family. “My Son Is My Life And He Is The Perfect Addition To Our Family.”
My name is Fred. I’m from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I can always remember when I first came out, having a conversation with my mom about, you know, just how she felt about ever...
Gay Man Reflects On Foster-To-Adopt Journey: “They Are Our Kids And They Were Purposely Chosen.”
I’m Gregory Yorgey-Girdy. I’m from Victoria, Texas. I moved to Philadelphia to attend law school. Once I got here, I met my husband Paul. When I met Paul, one of the things tha...
“I Should Call The Police Right Now!” Homophobic Doctor Shames Gay Teen.
Hi. My name’s Chris Tanner and I’m from Duarte, California. When I was 15, me and my friend David, we used to hang out in front of the high school, in front of Duarte High, and...
HIV Diagnosis Reunites Son With Family. “That Kind Of Love Coming From Parents Who Threw Me Out Was Unexpected.”
My name is Shareef Hadid Jenkins. I am from Lancaster, Pennsylvania Growing up, I knew I was different. I knew that people sort of whispered about me. My family would – my uncle ...
Gay Man Reconciles His Spirituality With His Sexuality. “My Religious Life Is As Much A Part Of My Identity As My Queer Life.”
Hi, my name is Nick Donias. I’m from Fort Worth, Texas. Growing up in Texas, I was the youngest of four children and we grew up in what people call the bad part of town. And I fo...
Gay Life In Philadelphia From The 1940s To Today.
1947: Meeting Other Gays in High School: “It Was Something I Wanted To Be A Part Of.” My life actually started in early September of 1947. That was when I started my first day...
“Coming Out Can Be Slow And It’s Okay If It’s Slow. But You Should Start Your Journey.”
My name’s Jason Pesick. I’m from West Bloomfield, Michigan. Growing up in West Bloomfield was – it was actually a pretty great place to grow up. It was comfortable, it was a ...
Gay Lawyer Embraces His Identity In The Workplace And Thrives.
I’m Patrick Opdyke and I’m from New York, New York. I went to college at Georgetown in Washington, DC. So at the time that I joined the rugby team, I was out but I wasn’t nec...
Gay Man Experiences Panic Attacks, Self-Harm And Crippling Depression Before Coming Out.
My name is Ben Conard and I’m from Setauket, New York. In college, I, you know, I was always kind of known as a go-getter and I worked really hard and I involved myself in everyt...
Gay And Coming Of Age In 1970s New York City.
1960s: A Trip To The Met Was “The First Time I Remember Any Attraction For Men.” I first became aware of being attracted to men when growing up in the mid-sixties, when I was ...
