First they came for the Communists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Communist.Then they came for the Socialists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Socialist.Then they came for the trade unionists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a trade unionist.Then they came for the Jews
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Jew.Then they came for me
by the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, based on a speech given by Martin Niemöller – a German Lutheran pastor who lead a group of clergymen opposed to Hitler
And there was no one left
To speak out for me.
There are so many versions of this poem out there, and they all mean the same thing. If you don’t speak up for those being persecuted just because they aren’t like you, you’ll find yourself left without allies when you need them most.
As a non-Christian witch, I stand with Muslims and Jews and atheists and anyone who is persecuted for their lack of Christianity. I also stand with Christians fighting to reclaim the Bible from those who co-opted it for hate.
United we are strong.
As a queer and polyamorous person, I stand with my rainbow family and anyone whose love doesn’t fit the standard narrative. You are valid, and I see you.
United we are strong.
As a woman, I stand with all victims of sexism and rape culture and inequality. I also stand with efforts to end toxic masculinity, which harms men generation after generation.
United we are strong.
As a Filipino descendant, I stand with immigrants who came here like my recent ancestors to start over. I also stand with those who come here seeking the refuge America was once known for, whether they show up unexpectedly at our borders or apply from another country.
United we are strong.
As a white person, I stand with Black and Brown people as they struggle to end discrimination and violence against their communities.
United we are strong.
Larissa Lee 