Your voice can help other people face some of the challenges you've faced and help them avoid some of the pain you've experienced. When you help others by telling your truth, it helps you. When you share in the healing of another life, your own life is healed, just that little bit. It won't take away your HIV, but it can bring you closer to the source of your spiritual strength. It can bring you more joy, more peace, and more courage.
Many people take their voices for granted.
Of course they can say or write what they really feel or think. But for the rest of us, it's not that easy. Some people were taught not to talk about problems, but to say that everything is fine even when it isn't. Many were taught that asking for help is a sign of weakness. I grew up feeling ashamed of who I was.