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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Women In Pink Jackets Save Man From Homophobic Attack On The Subway.

by Michael Weferling

Women In Pink Jackets Save Man From Homophobic Attack On The Subway.

My name is Michael Weferling and I’m from Camden, Maine. One night earlier this month, I was walking down to the train platform to get home. I needed to put money on my Metrocard...

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“A Matter of Life and Death.” Being Black and Gay in the 1960s.

by Donald Bell

“A Matter of Life and Death.” Being Black and Gay in the 1960s.

“What Was It Like? Stories by LGBTQ Elders” is a new program by I’m From Driftwood, in partnership with Comcast, the nation’s largest cable provider, and SAGE, the countr...

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Learning of Late Mother’s Acceptance “Felt Like God Had Lifted Everything Off My Shoulders.”

by Edna Redo

Learning of Late Mother’s Acceptance “Felt Like God Had Lifted Everything Off My Shoulders.”

My name is Edna Redo and I’m from Chicago. I went to Curie High School here in Chicago. Graduated in ‘86, 1986, rather. One year, my junior year of high school – my mother wa...

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Man Finds New Purpose In Life and Work After Friend’s HIV Diagnosis

by D'Ontace Keyes

Man Finds New Purpose In Life and Work After Friend’s HIV Diagnosis

My name is D’Ontace Keyes. I am from Chicago, Illinois. In 2009, within Philadelphia, I was studying at the University of the Arts. It was my sophomore year and it was a really e...

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Exorcists Try–And Fail–To “Cast Demons” Out Of Gay College Student

by Samuel Johnson

Exorcists Try–And Fail–To “Cast Demons” Out Of Gay College Student

My name is Samuel Johnson and I am from Boston, Massachusetts. So, I grew up in the Pentecostal tradition of Christianity. After a long, hard childhood of growing up in that partic...

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The Importance of Equal Access for Trans Youth.

by Sharron Cooks

The Importance of Equal Access for Trans Youth.

Hi, my name is Sharron Cooks, I live in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I am originally from New Jersey. I have lived in Philadelphia for about 20 years. So when I was a lot younger, i...

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“Those Women Carry Knives.” Mother Warns Daughter About Lesbians.

by Inca Mohamed

“Those Women Carry Knives.” Mother Warns Daughter About Lesbians.

My name is Inca Mohamed, I am originally from the Caribbean but came to the US as a child. I have always been living between those two cultures. In my early mid-20s, I was living i...

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“Transitioning Has Been A Journey And I Wouldn’t Trade It For The World.”

by Pearl Bennett

“Transitioning Has Been A Journey And I Wouldn’t Trade It For The World.”

“What Was It Like? Stories by LGBTQ Elders” is a new program by I’m From Driftwood, in partnership with Comcast, the nation’s largest cable provider, and SAGE, the countr...

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“It’s Just Normal. My Two Kids and My Dog and My Husband.”

by Tony

“It’s Just Normal. My Two Kids and My Dog and My Husband.”

This story was found with the help of Diversity Role Models which actively seeks to prevent homophobic and transphobic bullying in UK schools. My name is Tony and I’m from Nort...

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After Hiring Musician, Church Removes His Piano From Pulpit Because He’s Gay

by David Raleigh

After Hiring Musician, Church Removes His Piano From Pulpit Because He’s Gay

Hi, my name is David Raleigh and I’m from Seattle, Washington, where I grew up in a very unique situation. My mom was a very religious woman, and she, when I was 4 years old, she...

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Grandma Forces Gay Teen To Come Out To Family One At A Time. “She Was Actually Enjoying My Pain.”

by Jawann McBeth

Grandma Forces Gay Teen To Come Out To Family One At A Time. “She Was Actually Enjoying My Pain.”

My name is Jawann McBeth, I’m from Ewing, New Jersey. When I was 5 years old, my mom got to this point in the Bible. I remember I was Leviticus 18:22 where it said, “Thou shall...

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“I Cannot Have Anything To Do With a Gay Son. Please Don’t Contact Me Anymore.”

by Lester Mayers

“I Cannot Have Anything To Do With a Gay Son. Please Don’t Contact Me Anymore.”

Hi, my name is Lester Mayers and I’m from Brooklyn, New York. When I was 3 years old I lost my mom to complications of AIDS. And my father left me and I went to go live with my a...

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