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In this episode, we reflect on growing up without the language or community to identify as an atheist — a reality that left many of us isolated before the internet connected like-minded people. Our conversation explores how religious communities reinforce their beliefs weekly, while atheists lack the same infrastructure or political representation.

We also compare the atheist movement’s visibility to the LGBTQ community’s decades-long fight for rights and acceptance, asking what lessons we might take from their progress. From court cases that chip away at secular values to the challenges of running for office as an open atheist, this is an honest look at why so many remain quiet and what it would take to build a stronger, more vocal presence in public life.

Relevant Topics / Chapter Headings

• Growing up without the language for atheism
• The isolation of pre-internet nonbelievers
• How religious communities reinforce belief
• Lack of political representation for atheists
• Court cases and the erosion of secular values
• Comparing atheist visibility to LGBTQ progress
• Lessons from successful social movements
• Challenges of running for office as an open atheist
• Building infrastructure for atheist advocacy

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