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 Stories

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“Um, But…Why?” Nonbinary Person Navigates Questions After Coming Out

by Aria Renee Curameng

“Um, But…Why?” Nonbinary Person Navigates Questions After Coming Out

 I’m Aria Renee Curameng and I’m from Fort Washington, Maryland.  Back in, I want to say 2021, I went out with a friend of mine and we constantly went to piano bars....

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“That’s My Daughter”: Construction Dad Doesn’t Hesitate to Support Trans Woman

by Sasha Buchert

“That’s My Daughter”: Construction Dad Doesn’t Hesitate to Support Trans Woman

My name is Sasha Buchert and I’m from Portland, Oregon.  When I was younger, Iike a lot of people, I didn’t have the greatest relationship with my dad. We just weren&#...

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Gay Teacher Goes From Closeted Student to Queer Role Model

by Phillip Marcus

Gay Teacher Goes From Closeted Student to Queer Role Model

My name is Philip Marcus. I’m from the Bronx, New York.  As long as I can remember, I knew that I was different. I knew that I was gay. Because I went to an all boys Catholi...

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Bisexual Awakening from a Life-Changing Kiss

by Karine

Bisexual Awakening from a Life-Changing Kiss

My name is Karine. I’m from Brooklyn, New York.  I grew up in a very conservative… conservative environment in Haiti. We went to church every week, sometimes twice a week....

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Chosen Family Saved Me: Bisexual Woman Finds Saving Grace During Pandemic

by Ambika

Chosen Family Saved Me: Bisexual Woman Finds Saving Grace During Pandemic

My name is Ambika Nair. I am from Plainsboro, New Jersey.  I grew up in a conservative South Asian family. I only really realized that I was bisexual once I graduated high school....

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Queer Sikh Man Uses Visibility and Experience in Healthcare to Help and Empower Others.

by Sundeep Singh Boparai

Queer Sikh Man Uses Visibility and Experience in Healthcare to Help and Empower Others.

My name is Sundeep Singh Boparai. My pronouns are he, him, his, and I’m from Queens, New York.  I was a senior in undergrad and my mom was actually making lunch for me. And ...

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Queer Teen Comes Out After Dad Walks in on Him and His Boyfriend Making Out.

by Andrew Gryniewicz

Queer Teen Comes Out After Dad Walks in on Him and His Boyfriend Making Out.

I’m Andrew Gryniewicz and I’m from Seattle, Washington.  In 2013, I had a girlfriend and we had been dating for about a year and a half. And I had always felt that may...

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Oprah, Rap & Naked Yoga: One Gay Man’s Coming Out Journey to Finding His Community

by Daniel

Oprah, Rap & Naked Yoga: One Gay Man’s Coming Out Journey to Finding His Community

Hi, I’m Daniel, from Houston, Texas.    When I was 11 years old, I was at my aunt’s house and my mom happened to be watching an episode of Oprah. I noticed it was...

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Gay Man Reconnects with Family After Overcoming Shame and Learning to Live Authentically

by Chauncey Dandridge

Gay Man Reconnects with Family After Overcoming Shame and Learning to Live Authentically

Hey, I’m Chauncey Dandridge. I’m from Harrison, New Jersey.  My family was very macho. There was always sports on the television. I’m one of three boys, grew up ...

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Gay Man Frees Himself from the Grip of Addiction. “My Life Started to Get Better.”

by Gary Lane

Gay Man Frees Himself from the Grip of Addiction. “My Life Started to Get Better.”

Hi, my name’s Gary Lane. I’m from Austin, Texas.  I don’t remember exactly when, but I think it was either late high school or maybe right after. One day just at...

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From Peer Pressure & Unhealthy Habits to Pride & Self Love: How One Gay Man Turned His Life Around.

by Dario Beck Torres

From Peer Pressure & Unhealthy Habits to Pride & Self Love: How One Gay Man Turned His Life Around.

My name is Dario Beck Torres, and I’m from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. So I grew up in a fairly religious environment. I remember one time being pulled aside by this lady. I didn&#...

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From HRT to FIFA: Trans Athlete Joins a Women’s Soccer Team – Then Creates Her Own

by Bethany Cyrtmus-Davaul

From HRT to FIFA: Trans Athlete Joins a Women’s Soccer Team – Then Creates Her Own

I’m Bethany Cyrtmus-Davaul, and I’m from Hudson, Wisconsin.  When I was 28-years-old, in my condo in Chicago, sitting on my nice wine red couch, I was watching some Yo...

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