Stand Up

I’m standing up today.
I’m standing up 
I’m standing up because I know too much 
I’m standing up today because I can 
I’m standing up for my black beautiful sisters who look like me
I’m standing for my Black, beautiful sisters, 
For every voice and every whisper. 
We are stronger, bound together, 
United in the storm, unbroken in the weather. 

I’m standing up today, 
I’m standing tall, I’ve found my way. 
I’m standing up because I know too much, 
I’m standing because I can, because I must. 
I’m standing up today, 
I’m standing tall, I’ve found my way. 
I’m standing up because I know too much, 
I’m standing because I can, because I must 

I’m standing up to demand 

To stop the HIV epidemic, to make it bend. 

To quit the policing of our sacred space, 

To honor our bodies with strength and grace. 

I’m standing up today, 

and I’m calling on you: 

Rise with me now, see it through 

For if you won’t stand now, someday you’ll
see, I’ll show the way—just follow me. 

We are stronger when we work as one, 
Together, 
the fight can be won. 
I’m standing up today—this is our time. 
Rise with me; 
together we’ll climb. 

It’s our MHS
Our “M” for Molecular
Our “H” for HIV, 
Our “S” for Surveillance—
MHS

-Leah Freeman