I believe the concept of "being in the closet" today is accepted as meaning, "there's an aspect of you that you hide for fear of negative reactions". I feel it's ok to use it when speaking about it with regards to being an atheist, as long as you don't try to equate another group's struggles with out own. Yes, there are similarities between the struggles of most minority groups; however the nature of those struggles are often vastly different.

At least that's how I see it.

As a gay man and atheist I am not offended by the use of the term atheist closet. I myself have used it before and believe the analogy is close enough. When I came out as gay to my family it was very emotionally hard for me and I chose my words carefully. I think it was especially difficult because it was the first time I had ever done anything like that. It was accepted and I felt a sense of respect from them for having gone through that.

Years later I came out to my family as atheist (minus my father who had passed) and it too was accepted and my mother confessed she had doubts also but was afraid. This too gave me a sense of respect from them and was easier than the first coming out.

I feel fortunate that I came from a family that had an open mind, at least in part. But all families are not created equal in this way and I was independent of them at the time. I do not know which of these revelations was harder for them to accept but I do think in our culture being godless is considered to be worse.

I can relate to Crusader because I like to crash religious websites. Probably in an attempt to get them to see another less fearful way of thinking. Occasionally I find someone who will intelligently debate with me but mostly angry people afraid that god is watching them and they must prove their worth by shouting me down.

Crusader's posts are full of misinformation and misunderstanding. Don't let him get to you because we have critical thinking on our side

I'm struggling to understand why the terminology of the act is important to you? If I were you I'd just focus on working out how to tell your parents and have a plan for a potentially positive outcome and a potentially negative outcome.

That dude Crusader is off the chain. I know that it's not on topic, but dude is wild. Answering your question if you didn't mean for it to be disrespectful i don't see a problem. From family, to jobs atheists can come some of the same scrutiny, and treatment. Especially in the job area. You could lose a job that you actually like, or need because of being atheist. My personal opinion is I don't see anything wrong with it.

I can see how it could be offensive to someone who is gay only because being gay is not optional and is biological. While I am not sure I could ever believe in a religion today, it is absolutely a choice. A smart choice but not biological.

The more that I think about it being an atheist among theists is just as risky as being gay for most of the same reasons and in the same communities. Infidel or abomination in the believer's eyes is not acceptable. In both instances you are better off hiding it.

What is an "atheist closet"? This is the first time I've ever heard of it. I am a non beliwver and proud.

Yes I feel it is comparable. Today in most place being gay is accepted more than being atheist. Luckily most places people are not as dangerous as they were 10 years ago. But then we have trumpism on rise pulling us backward so it might change in a few years. Maybe start by saying you have a friend who does not believe in the sky monkey.

well coming out in either situation will most likely land you in a very strained relationship with your parents. but coming out as a homosexual is much harder.

I'd say it could only be offensive to someone who is LBGTQ and it seems unlikely that they'd be in the group to which you are speaking. If you are worried someone in the audience could take offense, skip that analogy.

I will say that I take offense at Pro-Life advocates likening it to th Holocaust. Also, likening Israeli policies to Apartheid. In both cases, the crude and sloppy application of the analogies are intended to offend and expression of their bigotry is taken as a matter of pride.

Also note the use of the word science in Creation Science. Again, part of the motivation is to offend the third party, those who revere the scientific method. And for the third time, it comes from political Christians.

Not at all. No more than someone having diabetes detracts from someone suffering with cancer. More than one group can be discriminated against and persecuted. While arguably atheists aren't being attacked and beaten out of hatred, we are openly disdained in many places. Being an atheist can make life very difficult and even bar people from holding office or getting a job, depending on where they live. I doubt it is mere coincidence that every politician I can think of has professed his or her faith, despite that it is statistically improbable that a far portion of them are not atheist or agnostic.

I have little advice to offer, but want to add support and encouragement. Moving from the West Coast to the Houston area - I am finding that the skeptic, non-believing community is thriving in the area. I know the churches in the area (the higher the hair, the closer to god?) might suggest otherwise, but I am finding that there are many, plenty who share our thoughts. You are not alone.

If you haven't, I would suggest you watch the YouTube videos of Genetically Modified Skeptic. A few good ones include:

IMO Things did not really change for LGBTQ people until they got loud & proud & people realized it was their brothers, sons, best friends, not "aliens" to be feared.
I have seen a number of posts on here, especially lately, where people "came out" to their families, with trepadition, only to find their family was atheist/ agnostic as well!

I do not think so. They both have risks. Both can cause problems in the home and in with relationships. Even as society has progressed acceptance has not.

no. borrowing a phrase for something that's not trivial doesn't trivialize the lender. the two may not be comparable in scope, but both can create anxiety and coming out in both cases has real-life consequences that can be life-changing. besides, some lgbt people are atheists too!

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