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 Black Stories

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Satellite overhead image of New York State from Google Earth 2022

by Lenair Xavier

I’m From Brooklyn, NY.

Growing up in a religious Christian household hearing how “gays are going to hell in a hand basket” isn’t easy. Especially when you know in your heart of hearts that you are ...

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Fighting Against Gay and HIV Stigma In Churches.

by Dwayne Carl

Fighting Against Gay and HIV Stigma In Churches.

Dwayne Carl has a message for the world, and churches in particular: “I’m HIV-positive; GET OVA IT!” Dwayne’s been active in the church community his entire life and HIV-po...

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What Did You Think Of The Black Community Spotlight? Answer 10 Questions And Let Us Know!
What Did You Think Of The Black Community Spotlight? Answer 10 Questions And Let Us Know!

Last week’s Black Community Spotlight was our very first of many Spotlight Weeks we have planned. Please take a few moments to answer just 10 questions so we can learn how to imp...

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Black Community Spotlight: Gary Hines

by Gary Hines

Black Community Spotlight: Gary Hines

I’m from Philadelphia, PA ...

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“I Approached All The Adults In The Kitchen And Let Them Know They Should Be Ashamed Of Themselves. I Am A Lesbian.”

by Shara Dae

“I Approached All The Adults In The Kitchen And Let Them Know They Should Be Ashamed Of Themselves. I Am A Lesbian.”

I’m from Philadelphia, PA To reinforce the sometimes overlooked fact that there are black people in the LGBTQ community, and also that there are LGBTQ people in the black ...

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Tyrone Smith Reflects on Philly’s Black Gay Community Coming Together During the HIV/AIDS Crisis

by Tyrone Smith

Tyrone Smith Reflects on Philly’s Black Gay Community Coming Together During the HIV/AIDS Crisis

My name is Tyrone Smith, I’m originally from Kinston, North Carolina but I’ve lived here in Philadelphia for most of my adult life. And I’m an openly, affirming African Ameri...

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Laverne Cox, a Black transgender woman sits on couch being interviewed by IFD. She smiles while telling her coming out story.
Laverne Cox: From Bullying and Transphobia to Acceptance and Love.

I’m from Mobile, AL. Laverne Cox is an actress and a transgender woman whose story takes us from her childhood experiences of being bullied, to the transphobia she experie...

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Black Community Spotlight: Daniel Harder

by Daniel Harder

Black Community Spotlight: Daniel Harder

I’m from Bowie, MD. ...

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Black Community Spotlight: Amber Hikes

by Amber Hikes

Black Community Spotlight: Amber Hikes

I’m from Atlanta, GA. My name is Amber and I was born in Okinawa, Japan, but I am from Atlanta, Georgia. So my experience is that people of color, when I hear their coming...

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Black Community Spotlight: Khary

by Khary

Black Community Spotlight: Khary

I’m from Queens, NY. To reinforce the sometimes overlooked fact that there are black people in the LGBTQ community, and also that there are LGBTQ people in the black commu...

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“It Became Very Clear That ‘Gay’ In [The Grander World] Meant White. And Everybody Else Was Kind Of Visiting.”

by Stephen Winter

“It Became Very Clear That ‘Gay’ In [The Grander World] Meant White. And Everybody Else Was Kind Of Visiting.”

I’m from Chicago, IL. My name is Stephen Winter, I’m originally from Chicago, IL. I’m here to talk to you about this time this guy named Nathan called me and said he w...

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Black Community Spotlight Preview Party Photos
Black Community Spotlight Preview Party Photos

Below is a photo slideshow of our Black Community Spotlight Preview Party. Special thanks to our storytellers who were in attendance (actress Laverne Cox, Stephen Winter, and Khary...

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