First-Person LGBTQ Storytelling Makes an Impact at Winston and Around the World

Our Diversity & Inclusion Committee and Winston Pride affinity group presented a Pride Month program on June 25 featuring video stories from LGBTQ individuals, including three of the firm’s attorneys. The program was facilitated by Nathan Manske, Founder and Executive Director of non-profit I’m From Driftwood, which produces, curates, and publishes first-person accounts of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people of all backgrounds from around the world.

Winston Pride Co-Chair David Sakowitz introduced Nathan and welcomed approximately 365 firm members, clients, and alumni in attendance, noting that 2019 is a special year as the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising and the first time World Pride is being held in the United States.

“When I talk to people about our organization, which just celebrated its 10-year anniversary, they assume its name is some amazing metaphor, but it’s actually where I’m from,” Nathan explained. He opened with a photo of him and his three brothers on their land in rural Driftwood, Texas, standing next to their single-wide trailer with their goats Billy and Bob. “What you won’t see in this photo is a lot of queer culture,” he said. Nathan noted that he wasn’t bullied and his family was amazing; rather his issue was isolation.

Fast forward to December 2008, when Nathan had just been laid off from his copywriting job in New York. He saw the film Milk, and the image of Harvey Milk holding a sign that said “I’m from Woodmere, NY” really connected with him because most people associate Harvey Milk with San Francisco. “I was thinking about this sign when I was living in Brooklyn, but I’m not from New York, I’m from Driftwood,” Nathan said. “I wanted to get the message out that no matter where you’re from or what you’re going through, you’re not alone.” Three months later, I’m From Driftwood began publishing LGBTQ stories.

This Pride Month program was part of Winston’s annual series that celebrates the diversity that exists at the firm and helps foster an inclusive work environment. Visit our Diversity & Inclusion page for more information.