Closeted Gay College Athlete Learns to Speak Up for Others Following Transformative Pride Experience

In his sophomore year of college, a closeted Dre’Quan noticed an effeminate and presumably gay classmate on campus. While he wanted to befriend this student, he feared that doing so would essentially reveal his secret. Fortunately, attending his first Pride parade in 2016 gave Dre’Quan the confidence to not only begin the coming out process but going so far as to becoming a defender of others in his community.
More first-person LGBTQ stories: imfromdriftwood.com/
I'm From Driftwood on Facebook: / imfromdriftwood
I'm From Driftwood on Instagram: / imfromdriftwood
I'm From Driftwood on Twitter: / imfromdriftwood

[@davidcarroll3979]

this is what true masculinity and self awareness is all about.

[@Scriptor13]

I _so_ agree with you, Dre'Quan! Being authentic is enormously important. How can one be loved fully if others don't know who you really are? It's sad that social pressures can still make it difficult to show one's true colors; but, as your story proves, the payoff of being the real you is immeasurable. Thank you, and hugs for your wonderful parents.

[@drequanreed8221]

Thanks for listening

[@margaretbirch3367]

Lovely story and happy your parents were so accepting

[@hansherrmannshausen9669]

Thank you for sharing your story, you speak so simple, true and real. I feel proud being gay, when I am listening to you, hearing how much you care for others. I am born 1962, people wouldn't murder me for being gay any more (in Germany, they still do in some countries), but would try to push me violently into stereotypes, . So I am a bit carrying arround a package of fear to fall into the stereotyped gay. You cut throught this fear twofold, because you seem to have plenty of good maskulinity, as one would wish it in an elder brother, and you speak so warmly about how you cared for the kind of stereotyped young man in your college. Even if you couldn't approach him at that time, I can feel, how much you cared for him. When I was 17, someone in my school, who tried to make himself exist by some queerish makeup, eventually committed suicide out of dispair. I refused friendship to him, for similar reasons you described. It was just hard enough for me, to keep myself hoping and living. That was arround 1980. It still happens to many kids, today. Conversion camps, raging evangelist fundamentalists, so much negativity. Your voice is so positive. Maybe you can continue to reach out. The voice of the elder brother, strong, proud and protective. I would love to hear your further story. Cheers, Hans

[@drequanreed8221]

Appreciate you. Thanks 😊

[@o0R3stless0o]

You should tell you story!

[@williamstringer6519]

Dre'Quan, you came across as a very kind hearted caring young man, characteristics obviously inherited from your parents. I fully understand your discomfort at not being friendly to the obviously gay young man in college. We can't undo the past, but as in your case we can learn from it. I am now an old man, but will always regret not befriending a young gay work colleague back in my youth. In those days we were ostracized and sneered at so were forced to hide our true selves, so things were even more difficult than today. The young man committed suicide, and I will always regret my failure to give him the support he needed.

[@ohiorich1]

I applaud you. Applause, Applause, Applause. I am so proud of you, and happy as heck for you. Congratulations for you deciding to be You. You doing this video, and being so well spoken in your video, will help so many Realize that it is ok, and will be ok to be Gay. All my love sent out to you Sir.

[@drequanreed8221]

Thank you 😊

[@tannereustace]

I like your point about being authentic so that you can see who you truly deserve in your life, which extends beyond sexuality. Too often I have been “friends” with people who don’t truly love me for me, which has led to conflict that showed their true colors. Thanks for sharing your story :)

[@billzero7274]

Thank you for being your true self. You are an inspiration to others. There is to much hate in the world, but you brighten the world with your love

[@tatsf]

So many beautiful things about this story. Being able to be our authentic self is such an important thing, and I'm glad that you came to feel safe enough to be comfortable with that, Dre'Quan! I was also so glad to hear that your parents were accepting when you came out to them!

[@teams3345]

I was the same way at work and with my “best friend”. I never came out but now that I am retired I could care less what people think. I wish I had your bravery earlier in life. Thank you.

[@dg6700]

This is an exceptionally good man.

[@lestudio76]

Good for him and his parents being so great!

[@mrfunky1768]

there is something so deeply genuine about you that draws a brother in, so excited how these young mas/cats are finding their way to their own truth on their terms .

[@specialforces4947]

Such a loving and compassionate young man. His parents did a great job.

[@acos48]

Great story. I am so glad you have been able to live your true authentic self! Keep growing and keep learning! You are an awesome individual!

[@toomiepal]

Thank you for your story and best wishes.

[@JimFeig]

Thank you for your story.

[@Shem-mania]

this was amazing...thankyou for sharing

[@hezekiahgichia1220]

Here in Kenya, things are quite different. I cannot come out. Wah, to who? The society has never understood us and its not ready to do so. But I'm happy that gay friendly joints exist without intimidation. Plus, Grindr has saved a lot in finding people like us. Referrals also work well. Thanks a lot for sharing with us. I'm proud of you.

[@donaldewert2332]

I am sending love from Milwaukee, Wisconsin USA!!

[@XXXmolseyXXX]

Congrats on your journey man. Your feelings are valid. You are accepted. It's normal to struggle coming out and feel guilty for not being authentic earlier. That's not on you, it's the structural stigma. Much love x

[@loun9611]

Thank you for such great insight. It made me realize there is a very expressive gay person where I work that I have avoided. After watching your video, I feel very guilty about my avoidance and plan on reaching out to this person and apologizing for my ignorance and omission. You have taught me a good lesson and see the need for me to accept everyone for being human and alive. A huge hug!

[@loun9611]

I just wanted to add that I hope Dre reads my reply as I want him to know he has help me become a better human.

[@kavirmootoo]

Thank you so much for your bravery and honesty and your whole story. I feel empowered just hearing it and wanna say a huge THANK YOU

[@intellectual8152]

I thank you immeasurably to share your truth. Your truth is encouraging, insightful and inspiring to me and others. Acceptance and love for one's self is a strong foundation to build quality character. There are many in denial, 'Struggling' with IDENTITY. Again, I thank you for sharing your truth.

[@CamberHill]

What a fabulous story. Thank you for sharing!

[@rayblack8]

Looking forward to seeing you in the NFL draft next year

[@maymetke1605]

Great story. Many blessings

[@jameshadnott7997]

You are great and powerful, keep up the good work Dr. James O. Hadnott

[@davidrichey8066]

Thank you for being who you are ❤️

[@CamMcGinn1981]

Beautiful story.

[@ferryschoew7656]

One word: respect!

[@gilles5974]

Really inspiring video...Thanks for being your true self!

[@dillonvossen1144]

thank you

[@eflat1968]

Amazing Real Man & Keep Enjoying You're Life To The Fullest From Oakland.Ca 💯😀💯

[@johnathanstevens8436]

Absolutely, the stereotypes we are all indoctrinated with are kind of hurtful.. I'm really glad your parents were so accepting - that's awesome. Thank you for speaking up! Parents need to understand just how much their support means to a child going through this .. questioning something as fundamental as who you fall in love with. That's not a choice.

[@tracedial6216]

I am so happy & pride you were able to be your true self. I have a question about that guy in college with braids & painted nails, knowing that ur gay & open have u tried reaching out to him. Explaining ur situation? Was wondering u never mentioned it.

[@michaelbailey3299]

Happy, happy, happy. It takes some of us a little longer. But in time, we will become as brave as you are. Stay strong my brother.

[@carltwidle9046]

This a common story for alot gay men. Fear to be yourself. I'm glad that his parents were accepting. Because sadly alot of gay people's parents arent accepting when they come out. I have always been true to myself. Despite having my father disowned me.

[@keshawn888]

I recognize this man😃

[@KingWill04]

So do I 😀

[@indigobeaumont1246]

Where do you recognize him from? I think I do too but I don't wanna say 😂

[@KingWill04]

@@indigobeaumont1246 I'll say it..pornhub lol

[@keshawn888]

@@indigobeaumont1246 Without exposing TMI, I'll just say from more explicit sites...with his partner. That's all I'm going to say.

[@indigobeaumont1246]

@@keshawn888 lol yeah ik, I've watched his stuff before 😂

[@ajani20036]

Omg! I was born in New Brunswick NJ too 😮

[@paulreeder7029]

Beautiful storyy! Just wondering if you were ever able to connect with that person from school or not?

[@j.gaspersz2234]

Awesome! 👌🏽👏🏽

[@paulmiller6647]

Great video

[@stephenjohnson9560]

Good on you, hope you have a happy life :)

[@camecex]

All the best to him

[@kimberlymarshall3977]

God bless!!! Amazing!!! 🙏🏿🙂

[@solemandd67]

Fantastic ❤️ 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🧑🏾‍🤝‍🧑🏿

[@jaymartin6099]

Awesome story. 🙏🏽

[@akrenwinkle]

OMG, he's TywithBruno.

[@JungleBoi9]

❤❤❤

[@christopherholvenstot9624]

What an awesome dude!

[@stannovacki2406]

💜

[@michaelle8384]

I am Proud of your people should be free you should never feel alone for who you are the world don’t belong to no body

[@rashardgrand9941]

💕💕💓

[@whitneybrown4067]

🔥🔥🔥👍….

[@dwaynemcdonald7145]

😊♥️💯🤗

[@dereknewbury163]

Well done, mate. Strange that the definition of masculinity has become associated with brainlessness and lack of understanding and compassion. I would argue that you are more of a man now than any of those homophobes; it takes brains and guts to be your true self. Wish you all good fortune

[@lakeisharevlon513]

I don't understand y people's warries about gay people man can have wife deal men on side this world so warries about some options they be main one who deal men or there husbands doing it

[@sequillarochelle4044]

Smh

[@SOWTHEW0RD]

HOLY BIBLE---- 18 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. 20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. 21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.

[@SEFYH]

His face looks VERY FAMILIAR.... Hmmmm... 🤔

[@brendonmartin9550]

It’s because his a porn star lol 😂

[@KingWill04]

I can tell you where you have seen him before but it will get us both in trouble lol

[@SEFYH]

@@KingWill04 Oh, I already know! 😜😜😉🤣🤣

[@sergeyivanov9825]

Felicidades, es un buen ejemplo. 248 sentadillas son unos YOURGIRLS.Uno muchas y un buen ejercicio. Se deja ver que hay muy buenos resultados 😍👍 Saludos desde la Cd.. de world 🌹😉💖 los mortalesw abian apreciado tan hermosa mujer.k

[@billcosby9725]

Apreciando a una mujer tan hermosa. 2:8 sentadillas son unos HOTBABY.Uno muchas y un buen ejercicio. 5:25 Se deja ver que hay muy buenos resultados 😍👍 Saludos desde la Cd.. de world losn mortales abian apreciado tan hermosa mujer

[@SOWTHEW0RD]

HOLY BIBLE--- 5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 6 for which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: 7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. 8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.