Activism, HIV/AIDS and mental illness. Three topics rooted in stigma that become even more complex when they intersect with another taboo topic, women. Not many dare to step into these challenging arenas, but for two prolific activists, Dawn Averitt and Melody Moezzi, fighting for better care for women and empowering them to use their voice has been their life’s work.
In this episode, Dawn and Melody share their parallel journeys into activism. What started as a small flame within them at an early age, ignited into a full blown passion for advocacy after they received a life-changing diagnosis. Dawn was diagnosed with AIDS, while Melody was diagnosed with Bipolar disorder. Both didn’t have access to the proper care they needed, and were forced to fight for it. They turned their rage into action, developing programs and raising awareness that has helped transform the lives of countless women living with HIV/AIDS and mental illness.
Together the two discuss the importance of destigmatizing activism. Activism does not require big, heroic actions, but rather small steps that can create a ripple of change across our shared humanity.
