No and no.

Atheism is purely my stance on the statement by theists that a god/s exists. I don't see any evidence to back up their claim so I am an atheist.

Is it important to tell people - no. I don't tell people that I am heterosexual or that I am a socialist or that I like beer. If discussion wends its merry way in that direction then I will happily explain my views in the same way that I would about any other subject.

Does it define who I am, no. Does it define how I think? Again, no. It is a conclusion that I made because that is the way that I think. Being atheist does not inform my views on morality or the law or politics (excepting that religion should play no part in politics whatsoever) as it is only one tiny reflection on who I am.

No. Being human and respectful of other's thinking is much more important to me.

I was a wacko Fundamentalist. It was devistating to my pschological well being as a child. Mostly due to the extreme guilt I felt. Yes it is very important to me to let peolpe know its OK to not believe in God and perfectly normal. I hope to help anyone whom wishes escape the clutches of religion and normalize atheism in todays culture.

i try to avoid all isms when describing or introducing my self. i see my self more as someone who doesn't tolerate bullshit.

If you want people to know who you are and if that is the truth about you. Let it be known.

Yes. It is far better than basing my outlook on life on a lie.

And yes. Hiding it as if it is a secret implies it is something to be ashamed about. Being open about it provides an example of being a good, peaceful person living a good life without the fear of eternal punishment as the motivation. That doesn't mean I shove it in others' faces or wear it on my sleeve (or t-shirt.) I don't put bumper stickers on my car to advertise it. But if asked, or if circumstances make it relevant, then I will speak up (if it is not inappropriate to do so.)

I think it is important. It might help some "come out of the closet", and with others it might help tear down their misguided views about atheists - that we are sociopaths and/or evil.

I am a religious agnostic because of science, an atheist because of probability, and an anti-theist because of religion. - Matthew Cook

The label is not important. What is important is freedom from slavish devotion to religious ideology.

Not to me, but then I have been fortunate in my upbringing even with two mentally unwell abusive parents. I also have a diagnosis of weird mental unwellness Dissociative Identity Disorder which strangely some people don't believe in either but it is real for me and actually helps me to cope with the strangeness of my experience with the world

That's two questions lol. First question: no, it's not important. You don't believe in gods.There's that sorted! On to something important. What's for dinner (mac and cheese, I hope!)? Are my socks clean? Are my underwear on inside out? See?

But your second question... well, that's different. I think it only becomes important when the other people are trying to validate some point of theirs, or to lump you in with them so they can add weight to some point they're making and they're using religion to back their point (or make their law). There's no need to go around shouting that you're an atheist. I don't believe in the Horrible Bugblatter Beast of Feegle Nay Mumpty, but you don't see me telling everyone about it. Unless that disbelief plays some role in some event, what does it matter?

If they ask, then yes.

Not really , the beauty of being an atheist is that it doesn't consume enormous quantities of time .

I think it's important that more people "come out" about their atheism. This doesn't mean everybody should. Everyone has to decide what's best for them, but the more atheists who are visible, the sooner it will be accepted by the mainstream. You see what happened in the homosexual community.
I would love to be out myself, and would be if it weren't for the clientele I have at work, and some family that are still living in the Middle Ages.

I think so. It opens up people to the truth instead of wasting their life being controlled by something not real.

Not if it is unnecessary, I don't tell people many things.

Depends on the situation. If I expect to or would like to have a genuine or honest acquaintance with them, ABSOLUTELY. If not, no. It kind of goes hand-in-hand with the other part of my personality that believes in radical honesty. If people cannot handle my being an atheist, better that we get that out of the way quickly. And, also, I just don't want to be fake around people. And being an atheist is an important part of my life. Not so much the title, but more so I guess it's that NOT being a believer is a big part of who of I am.

Also, if people I KNOW try proselytizing to me, I speak up -- because I don't want to hear it.

If I am in public -- and say a cashier says "Have a blessed say," I mostly ignore it. But, I did write an e-mail to Costco letting them know I didn't want to be proselytized at their stores. I haven't heard it since.

About as important as not believing in the tooth fairy.

Is the fact that it is raining or not, important?
Based on logical contingency I would have to say yes.

Yes.

I'm with what most already said..I don't go around broaching the subject, but if someone makes a point of trying to engage me in a religious conversation I first try to discourage them by mumbling "Uh-huh" in a distracted manner and changing the subject, but if they get in my face I just say I don't believe that way anymore, or that "not everyone believes that way." I'm not being confrontational but my point is still being made.

That gives others the option of letting it slide if they wish. I also mentally change what they're saying to make it compatible with my beliefs..like changing "God' to "the Universe" or "my higher consciousness," and "thoughts and prayers" to "positive energy."

If they are really pushing my buttons, I can also the deploy the technique of seeing it from the perspective of "best intentions." For example, I can tell myself that "His saying that I'll go to hell is coming from his wanting to save my soul, and he feels it's his duty, or he also will be tortured forever. He's just afraid for both of us." This is harder to pull off if the person is behaving in a rude, belligerent manner.

If it comes up, or if I'm asked, I believe it's extremely important for me to be honest about my atheism. I don't hide it under any circumstances.

I don't make an issue of it. I am who I am, if you want to know me better you will find out fast enough. It does not define me.

No, not for me and letting people know is not important to me either. I find it interesting how many need to state they are 'christian'.