If you had told me fifteen years ago—when I was most deeply entrenched in my religious views and lifestyle—that I would be a speaker at an atheist convention, not only would I have laughed at you, but I would probably also have said a prayer for you that night.
Yet there I was, a featured speaker at the 2024 American Atheists National Convention, as part of the “Hidden in Plain Sight” presentation in which I and my fellow speakers discussed the issues that have been plaguing the Amish, Mennonite, and other Anabaptist communities for decades. This event gave me the opportunity to meet many others— speakers and attendees alike—who have had their share of struggles in high-control religious communities and cults.
To see people in the audience weep at my story and to get hugs from those for whom my story resonated gave me a feeling in my heart that I had never felt before and certainly not something I ever got from any church. Engaging with the ex-Jehovah’s Witnesses was a particularly special experience, as their stories of abuse, shunning, and oppressive church rules overlapped with many of the dictates we were compelled to follow in the Mennonite church.
Seeing the wonderful people from the Recovering from Religion organization is always one of my favorite highlights of any event like this, as they have been instrumental in my journey to find new friends, discover a fresh outlook on life, and feel a genuine sense that there are people who care and are ready to help at any given moment. I like to think of them as my second family.
I’ve been attending American Atheist conventions for four years now, and it has been incredible to see it grow with so many new faces year after year. It’s a breath of fresh air to be in an environment in which people can be completely themselves, to be able to open up without judgment and condemnation. It’s deeply inspiring to see a crowd take the time and effort to pack food for the less fortunate at the food drive simply for goodness’ sake, and not the promise of some heavenly reward. It reaffirms my belief that there is most definitely still good out there in this world.
American Atheists’ conventions always help bring me a sense of renewal, and the 2024 convention was truly smashing. My sincerest thanks to all the people behind the scenes who make it all possible and to all those who gave me a platform to share my voice. I will be forever grateful.