Our Collections

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.

Story Updates

We interviewed previous storytellers for an update on their story and also to find out what’s been going on in their life since they first shared their story. Part interview, part sequel, these long-format updates provide a more in-depth look into the storytellers themselves.

Watch Story Updates

What Was It Like?

When you have more years under your belt, you naturally have more stories to share. What Was It Like? Is a program that allows elders to share between 4-6 standalone stories. If you want to hear what it was like to be LGBTQIA+ in years past, this program is for you.

Watch What Was It Like?

Coming Out Stories

Whether it’s to a family member, colleague, or new friend, coming out is something queer and trans people do throughout their entire lives. These stories span the entire emotional spectrum, from hilarious to tragic, from relatable to unimaginable.

Watch Coming Out Stories

50-State Story Tour

In 2010, the I’m From Driftwood crew embarked on a 4-month, 50-state story collection tour to document stories in towns and cities all across the country. The Tour itself landed in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, and you can watch all the stories collected from the Story Tour right here.

Watch 50-State Story Tour

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Latest Stories

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Out of the Closet, Out of a Job: Following Discrimination, Lesbian Pursues Life of LGBTQ+ Activism

by Angie Harden

Out of the Closet, Out of a Job: Following Discrimination, Lesbian Pursues Life of LGBTQ+ Activism

My name is Angie Harden. I’m from Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  When I was 15, I got my first job. I was thrilled to have my first job. I was lucky enough to work at a recreational...

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From “Utter Agony” to Love and Trust: A Father’s Journey of Acceptance Towards His Gay Son

by James Palmer

From “Utter Agony” to Love and Trust: A Father’s Journey of Acceptance Towards His Gay Son

Hi, I’m James Palmer. I’m from Atlanta, Georgia. In my mid 20s, I reached out to a therapist because I was having some challenges with the relationship that I was in, a...

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From a Secret Wedding to Legal Marriage: A Lesbian Love Story in the Shadow of Prop 8

by KishaLynn Elliot

From a Secret Wedding to Legal Marriage: A Lesbian Love Story in the Shadow of Prop 8

My name is KishaLynn Elliot and I’m from San Diego, California.  One night in 2006, a friend of mine dragged me out for drinks in West Hollywood. We’re sitting at the ...

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