I'm From Driftwood

The stories on I’m From Driftwood send a powerful message to LGBTQIA+ people everywhere: you exist, you matter, you belong.

IFD’s collection of more than 1,400 professionally-produced videos and user-submitted written oral histories are shared freely online – giving voice to and forging connections among often marginalized or silenced people, educating people about the joys and challenges, complexities and intersectionalities of LGBTQIA+ lives, and increasing empathy in IFD viewers.

IFD stories spark dialogue, and move people to action in their own lives and communities including living authentically, changing discriminatory policies and supporting LGBTQIA+ elders and youth.

Vision I’m From Driftwood envisions a world where every LGBTQIA+ person feels understood and accepted, and every cisgender, heterosexual (cishet) person is an ally.

Mission I’m From Driftwood aims to help LGBTQIA+ people learn more about their community, cishet people learn more about their neighbors and everyone learn more about themselves through the power of storytelling and story sharing.

Increasing empathy and empowering individuals is accomplished by creating a forum for LGBTQIA+ stories from every age, race, gender, background and culture. The stories deepen our understanding of each other, preserve history, and open hearts and minds.

Values The most personal and meaningful stories are shared when the storyteller is in a trust-worthy, welcoming, judgment-free environment. I’m From Driftwood strives to create that environment on every level, whether you’re a long-time supporter at one of IFD’s events or a first-time visitor to the site. Be yourself, be comfortable and let’s get to know each other.