Welcome to the asylum. Enjoy your stay.

Be bold. Do not be afraid.
Fear is the mind-killer.
Know NO fear.
Be out. Be proud. Do not hide who you are.
Stop telling yourself about all the things you "can't" do.
Start focusing on the things you CAN do.
You'll be shocked at the difference.

I tend to keep all religious and political opinions to myself. not that I'm ashamed to be non-religious, my family is super religious and super Republican so I usually just try not to start drama with them about it. I wish I was able to express myself without feeling like i'm going to be shunned or something lol

That’s why I joined this. Hoping to meet open minded honest people who don’t judge. My kind of people ?

I’m not closeted, but I’m careful in who I disclose my atheism to. Most people close to me know.

Maybe someone shoudl start a group on this site for "closeted atheists". I looked and there isn't one (yet). I'd start one, but I am out as an atheist (and also as being gay). I dont' think it woudl be right for soeoen who is "out" to lead such a group.

As an incentive, you get extra points on the site when others join a group you lead/started.

no one is closeted here even if they're closeted everywhere else, so it's fine if y'all want to message each other but it's not necessary with regard to anyone's being closeted.

g

You are safe here.

I used to be fundamentalist Christian. Went to a university and just felt so alone and isolated. I said fuck it and fuck you god, I’m tired of feeling shitty every day. So I left. Never looked back. I don’t live in an environment as oppressive as yours, but my depression isolated me, preventing me from meeting any new friends. I used to be agnostic before my conversion and I continue that journey to this day. You’re at the age I decided to turn my back, so that speaks to me. Good luck.

I can't help but comment on this thread. For all of you that feel as though the fear of judgement and or abandonment hold you back from admitting to the world who you really are .... You have an understanding friend in me anytime you need it. And when I say friend, I mean that guy who will go the distance with you and be there to defend you when others judge you. I am passionate about my thoughts and feelings, including my atheism. I have a strong conviction and when added to the fact that I'm outspoken, there's not much I won't say. But I'm there for any of you if you need support. But please remember this.... There is no greater joy in life than being able to communicate your feelings and thoughts openly with the world without regard to who's feelings you're going to hurt or feathers you're going to ruffle. In the very end, reality is reality and that is your biggest ally against the naysayers. Always be true to yourself and others.

Man,.. family should love you regardless of "religious belief or none, sexual orientation etc"..

A person has to be aware that there are people that will hurt you, sometimes to "help" you. Be aware of the situation you are putting yourself in to.

My parents, their friends, and a few of my older friends who are still religious don't know. I'd rather the situation continued as such, but yeah, a lot of people know I'm an atheist. So I don't know... Maybe I'm only 25% closeted?

My family doesn't know.

For years I thought I would have to hide my atheism from my kindly old ultra-religious grandparents, just wait until they pass away. But I didn't hide it well from the rest of my family, so my parents/cousins helped spread the word to them anyway. Thanks social media.

Turns out, even my Southern Baptist grandmother still loved me (and prayed for me) up until the day she passed away. I now wonder if we couldn't have had some meaningful conversations if I was a little more open. Oh well...

Now I just keep my (anti-)religious views to myself, especially in my professional life, unless someone specifically asks. Then I'm quite honest.

Hi

What an interesting bio...must be terribly stressful to have to keep things under wraps...

Well, jump in and enjoy the crazy here...blocking is your friend...

I can totally relate.

How can we msg you if it's not allowed

I have been open about it since a teenager, but it is a personal decision. I suggest being overt, but your life, your decision.

I highly recommend taking your time and not feeling obligated to come out until you are so ready you wish you would have done it a year ago. I’m the only outed atheist in my family and I didn’t come out until I was in my thirties. Always remember people that truly love you will not let this come in between a loving relationship with them. That being said so
Stones you might feel lonely or kind of like an outcast and that’s why these on line and in person secular communities can really come in handy. Watching videos on people’s stories of coming out really gave me strength and courage to finally do so. Here’s a really good one to watch when you have the time. It starts out slow but his story is incredible.