First they came for the Janice Raymond

and I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t an academic.

Then they came for Mary Daly

and I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t a lesbian.

Then they came for Norah Vincent

and I didn’t speak out because I didn’t even read her book.

Then they came for Lierre Keith

and I didn’t speak out because I was afraid that I’d get attacked too.

Then they came for Sheila Jeffreys

and I didn’t speak out because her honest analysis makes my queer friends uncomfortable.

Then they came for Germaine Greer

and I didn’t speak out because she seems a little full of herself.

Then they came for Diane DiMassa

and I didn’t speak out because Hothead Paisan is soooo 1990s.

Then they came for Julie Bindel

and I didn’t speak out because she seems unpleasant.

Then they came for Cathy Brennan

and I didn’t speak out because I hate that woman.

Then they came for Christine Benvenuto

and I didn’t speak out because she was married to a man.

Then they came for Issa Rae

and I didn’t speak out because I have never seen Awkward Black Girl.

Then they came for Julie Burchill

and I didn’t speak out because I don’t like that she said “shims” in a political essay.

Then they came for Gallus Mag

and I didn’t speak out because I forgot how to speak.

Then they came for me,

and there was no one left to speak for me.

- An Anonymous Woman