They called it the death diseaseThey called it the death disease
Proud Voices
Our guest Rik talks about his early life experiences growing up in an orphanage, not fitting into various religious settings, his coming out experience during the 1980's, and the day he found out he was HIV+. Rik became sober on November 7, 2017.
28:19•10 Jun 2021
Rik's Path to Sobriety: From Orphanage to Self-Acceptance
“I have built a life that I want and you know, when I look at it now compared to years prior, I don't want to ever turn back. There's no desire to go into that, you know, but I've done a lot of work to get there.”
Imagine growing up in an orphanage, feeling out of place in various religious settings, and coming out during the tumultuous 1980s. That's Rik's story. In this heartfelt episode of Proud Voices, co-hosts Kaylee Hoaby and Luke Miller sit down with Rik, an LGBTQ+ alumni of Pride Institute. Rik shares his raw and honest journey, from his challenging upbringing to discovering he was HIV+ and grappling with internalized homophobia.
His life took a dramatic turn on November 7, 2017, when he chose sobriety. Therapy, a strong support system, and a commitment to mental health were his keys to overcoming addiction. Rik's tale is not just about struggle; it's about finding the strength to create a life worth living. His resilience and dedication to self-care offer a beacon of hope for anyone on a similar path. Tune in to hear Rik's inspiring journey and find motivation for your own recovery.
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