Narratively

Human Interest Stories

Human Interest Stories

It's an old journalism term, but one most of the media has overlooked in recent years: human interest. Well, we think humans are very interesting. Narratively is all about celebrating ordinary people through the power of storytelling. Our contributors comb the world’s big cities and hidden corners to find the characters and narratives that mainstream media aren’t finding—the underdogs and overlooked tales that enlighten us, connect us, and capture our imagination. On this page, we've collected some of our favorite human interest stories from over more than 6 years of publishing true tales on Narratively. Enjoy these true tales? For more human stories, boldly told, visit our homepagefollow us on Facebook, and sign up for our newsletter here. PS: Moved to share your own personal story? We're always on the lookout for ordinary people with extraordinary stories. If you've got our next story subject, send us a tip!

Explore Latest

Secret Life of a Leftist Doomsday Prepper

When it comes to preparing for the end of civilization, gun-loving red-staters aren't the only ones taking matters into their own hands.

The Gay Black American Who Stared Down Nazis in the Name of Love

One of the most brilliant minds of the Harvard class of ’35, Reed Edwin Peggram met his soulmate on the eve of World War II and risked everything to stay by his side.

I Didn’t Know I Was Trans Until I Got Sober

When I stopped drinking, I finally realized the deep sadness I'd been trying to drown with alcohol was really gender dysphoria.

This Black Woman Was Once the Biggest Star in Jazz. Here’s Why You’ve Never Heard of Her.

Hazel Scott was a piano prodigy who wowed the worlds of music, TV and film. But when she stood up for her rights, the establishment took her down.

Secret Life of an Autistic Stripper

I've always had trouble reading social cues, but in the strip club, where rules and roles are crystal clear, I finally learned to connect.

The Boy Who Cried Abuse

My son has reactive attachment disorder and constantly makes up elaborate lies about being abused. But then he actually was.

They Fought and Died for America. Then America Turned Its Back.

A quarter million Filipinos served for the U.S. in WWII, only to have their rights stripped at war’s end. Now, the last survivors are fighting for what's rightfully theirs.

I Found God at Queer Summer Camp

I left the evangelical church when I came out as a lesbian. Then I found faith again in the place I least expected.

After Years of Tumors, Growing a Baby Instead

Doctors said I probably wouldn't live to see my child grow up, but I still wanted to be a mom.