About a month ago, I was part of a panel discussion on "Diversity in the Atheist Movement," along with Jen McCreight and Debbie Goddard, at the American Humanist Association conference. (It was part of the Secular Student Alliance's leadership track at the conference.) For those of you who've been asking about it, there's now video of the event!
The three of us each give short talks -- Jen on women in the atheist movement, Debbie on people of color, and me on LGBT folks -- and then there's Q&A afterward. I got a lot out of the conversation -- Jen and Debbie both had stuff to say that I hadn't thought about before, and all three of us are fun and interesting to listen to -- and I hope you will, too. (Video below the jump, since putting it above the jump mucks up my archives.) Enjoy!
"Atheist movement"?
Greta; c'mon now.
I'm an atheist. That means I don't believe in anyone's sky-fairies or Imaginary Friends. Period.
I don't recall signing up for any 'movement'. In fact, the only thing I have in common with most atheists is that none of us 'believe'.
'Movement'?
Not me....
Posted by: Astra Navigo | May 04, 2011 at 02:36 PM
Astra Navigo: if you're saying that you don't want to be part of the atheist movement, then, uh, okay? Nobody's making you. If you're trying to claim that there's no such thing as the atheist movement, that verges on silly. If you're attracted to people of your own gender, you don't have to march in a parade or wear rainbows everywhere you go, but you wouldn't walk around declaring that gay pride doesn't exist.
Posted by: Indigo | May 04, 2011 at 05:31 PM
Astra: I'm a little puzzled as to why someone who is so adamant about not being part of an atheist movement is not only reading atheist blogs, but is taking the time and trouble to comment on them. ???
That being said: What Indigo said. If you're not interested in being part of this movement, fine. Unlike religion, nobody's pressuring you to join: your time is your own, and you should spend it as you see fit. But if you're denying that the movement exists simply because you don't see yourself as part of it... well, isn't that a little silly?
Posted by: Greta Christina | May 04, 2011 at 06:22 PM
Greta,
Astra avoids the movement through immersion in it. Hiding in plain sight, as it were.
Posted by: BrainFromArous | May 06, 2011 at 06:17 PM
I attended the panel and learned a lot about outreach strategies for my local group. Always great to hear what other people are doing to connect outside their usual channels.
Posted by: Timridge | May 07, 2011 at 11:03 AM
Would love to watch this, but the constantly shifting exposure levels on the camera makes my eyes hurt.
Posted by: Myk | May 12, 2011 at 03:39 PM