In a perfect world, we shouldn’t have to have a separate list for female atheist activists. Some commenters even said such a list was “patronizing” by insinuating that women couldn’t play with the big boys. But when other polls, lists, and posts seem to forget our existence, every little bit of awareness helps. We have just as insightful things to say, but we need people to listen. Once more people realize this, you’ll start seeing more females listed amongst the likes of Dawkins, Hitchins, Harris, Dennett, Myers, etc…
So, without further ado, here is a list of some great female atheists who you should check out if you haven’t already done so:
Authors/Journalists – Bloggers – Podcasters/Videobloggers – Activists – Comedians/Other
- Ayaan Hirsi Ali – Infidel, Nomad, The Caged Virgin
- Natalie Angier – The Canon: A whirling tour of the beautiful basics of science, Woman: An intimate geography
- Ophelia Benson – Does God Hate Women?, Why Truth Matters, The Dictionary of Fashionable Nonsense
- Susan Blackmore – Author
- Leslie Cannold – Writer and ethicist
- Jane Caro – Author and journalist
- Catherine Deveny – Author and comedian
- Ann Druyan – Author and writer
- Rebecca Goldstein – 36 Arguments for the Existence of God: A Work of Fiction
- Jennifer Hancock – The Humanist Approach to Happiness
- Jennifer Michael Hecht – Doubt: A History, The End of the Soul: Scientific Modernity, Atheism and Anthropology in France
- Susan Jacoby – The Age of American Unreason, Freethinkers: A History of American Secularism, journalist for The Washington Post‘s On Faith Panel
- Wendy Kaminer – Sleeping With Extra-Terrestrials: The Rise of Irrationalism and Perils of Piety
- Paula Kirby – Author
- Joan Konner – Editor of The Atheist’s Bible: An Illustrious Collection of Irreverent Thoughts
- Nica Lalli – Nothing: Something to Believe In
- Tanya Levin – Author
- Molleen Matsumura – Writes the Humanist advice column Sweet Reason, co-author of Raising Freethinkers: A Practical Guide for Parenting Beyond Belief
- Jennifer McCreight – Contributor: The Atheist’s Guide to Christmas
- Sheila McLean – Writer and law & ethics researcher
- Adele Mercer – Writer and philosopher
- Maggie Miller – Actress and writer
- Meera Nanda – Breaking the Spell of Dharma, Prophets Facing Backwards
- Taslima Nasrin – Writer, human rights activist
- Christine Overall – Writer and philosopher
- Sumitra Padmanabhan – Contributor at The Freethinker and Nirmukta; Secretary of the Humanists’ Association of India
- Sue-Ann Post – Comedian and Writer
- Laura Purdy – Writer and philosopher
- Joan Smith – Author
- Valerie Tarico – Author and Blogger at the Huffington Post
- Polly Toynbee – Journalist
- Marlene Winell – Author
- Attempts at Rational Behavior – Blogger
- Ophelia Benson – Editor of skeptical website Butterflies and Wheels
- Maia Caron – Blogger
- GodlessGirl – Blogger
- Greta Christina – Blogger, focusing on atheism, sex, GLBT issues and politics
- Evolved Rationalist – Blogger: Evolved and Rat/i/onal
- Vyckie Garrison – Creator of No Longer Quivering, a community for women who have escaped the Quiverfull movement
- GrrlScientist – Blogger: Living the Scientific Life
- Amanda Gulledge – Blogger and winner of the Good Without God essay on raising freethinking children.
- Miranda Celeste Hale – Blogger: Exquisite With Love
- Diana Hsieh – Blogger and Rationally Selfish podcaster
- Sikivu Hutchinson –Blogger, focusing on atheism, religion, and race issues
- “KimDonesia” – Blogger
- Heather MacDonald – Blogger: Secular Right
- Amanda Marcotte – Blogger at Pandagon, focusing on feminism and politics
- Annie Margis – Blogger: Godishness
- Jennifer McCreight – Blogger: Blag Hag
- Melissa McEwan – Blogger: Shakesville
- Monica – Blogger: Monicks: Unleashed
- Jen Myers – Skepchick and Blogger: Deliberatepixel
- Maryam Namazie – Blogger
- Jennifer Ouellette – Author and Blogger: The X-Change Files
- Negative Entropy – Bloggers
- Possummomma – Blogger: Atheist in a Mini Van
- Jill Psmith – Blogger: I Blame the Patriarchy
- “Surly” Amy Davis Roth – Skepchick
- Kylyssa Shay – Blogger: That Atheist Bitch
- Signy – Ex-Muslim Blogger: Here in Glitnir
- The Skepchicks – Awesome group of bloggers
- Abby Smith – Blogger: ERV
- Kylie Sturgess – Blogger: PodBlack Cat; reporter for Skeptic Zone and host of Token Skeptic podcasts
- Laura Talley – Blogger: The Redheaded Skeptic
- Valerie Tarico – Blogger at the Huffington Post
- Sunsara Taylor – Blogger
- Rebecca Watson – Founder and contributor of the blog Skepchick
- Jessica Constantine – Co-host of the Humanist Network News podcast
- Laci Green – Videoblogger
- Tracie Harris – Rotating co-host of the Atheist Experience show
- Diana Hsieh – Rationally Selfish podcaster
- “KimDonesia” – Videoblogger
- Ashley Paramore – Videoblogger, better known as “healthyaddict”
- Jen Peeples– Rotating co-host of the Atheist Experience show
- Cristina Rad (ZOMGitsCriss) – Wonderfully sarcastic videoblogger
- Kylie Sturgess – reporter for Skeptic Zone and host of Token Skeptic podcasts
- Swoopy – Host of Skepticality podcast
- Rebecca Watson – co-host of popular podcast The Skeptic’s Guide to the Universe
- Reba Boyd Wooden – Executive Director of Center for Inquiry Indiana and Blogger: Freethought from the Heartland
- Ayaan Hirsi Ali – Women’s rights activist combating militant Islam
- Maggie Ardiente – Development Director at the American Humanist Association
- Lauren Becker – Outreach Coordinator for the Center for Inquiry
- Lori Lipman Brown – Founding director of Secular Coalition for America
- R. Elisabeth Cornwell – Executive director of the U.S. branch of the Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science
- Margaret Downey – Activist, founder and president of The Freethought Society
- Myna Futrell – Co-founder and executive director of The Brights’ Network
- Annie Laurie Gaylor – Co-founder and current co-president of the Freedom From Religion Foundation
- Debbie Goddard – director of African Americans for Humanism and Campus coordinator at the Center for Inquiry
- Susan Jacoby – director of New York’s Center for Inquiry
- Ellen Johnson – Atheist activist, former president of American Atheists
- Kathleen Johnson – Vice president and military director of American Atheists and founder of the Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers
- Wendy Kaminer – Secular Coalition for America Advisory Board Member
- Lyz Liddell – Campus organizer for the Secular Student Alliance, somehow helps hundreds of non-theist student groups without exploding
- June Maxwell – Director of Humanist Academy at Glasgow
- Amanda Metskas – Head Director of Camp Quest
- Taslima Nasrin – human rights activist
- Sumitra Padmanabhan – Secretary of the Humanists’ Association of India
- Toni van Pelt – Director of the Center for Inquiry-Office of Public Policy
- Eugenie Scott – executive director of the National Center for Science Education, outspoken opponent of Intelligent Design and creationism
- Ariane Sherine – Creator of the Atheist Bus Campaign
- Samantha Stein – Director of Camp Quest UK
- Wafa Sultan – Outspoken critic of Islam
- Reba Boyd Wooden – Executive Director of Center for Inquiry Indiana
- Catherine Deveny – Author and comedian
- Kathy Griffin – Hilarious comedian
- Sachiko McLean – Humanist glamor model and performer
- Maggie Miller – Actress and writer
- Carolyn Porco – Planetary scientist and public speaker
- Sue-Ann Post – Comedian and Writer
- “Surly” Amy Davis Roth – Creator of awesome skeptical jewelery
- Julia Sweeney – Comedian, on Showtime with her act Letting Go of God
If you know someone who’s missing and you think deserves a shout out, let me know in the comments and I’ll add them. Or if I listed someone but didn’t link to their blog or a more relevant site, let me know. Consider this a growing reference!
To clarify, this list is for living women who are known for their vocal support of atheism, skepticism, and/or scientific thinking – or, likewise, speaking out against religion and supernatural beliefs. There are plenty of women who simply happen to be atheists but never ever speak about it – this isn’t intended for them.
A little backstory:
My previous post asked readers who they thought was the most influential female atheist of 2009 – and it has become very popular. All of the comments have reinforced one major theme: Too many incredible female atheist voices are unknown.
When I started to make a list of influential females, I asked around for names. Half of them I hadn’t even heard of, and some of them I was only vaguely familiar with. I did some Wikipediaing and Googling to try to figure out who should make it to the list. I didn’t want to exclude people just because I wasn’t personally familiar with them, but I didn’t want a list of 30 choices either. I tried to focus on active voices of 2009: those who had written new books, been consistently blogging, appeared on the news, etc.
Of course, I’m not perfect. Some excellent ladies didn’t make my poll because of inadequate research, my own obliviousness, or most likely a combination of both. Apparently the list was also very US-centric, which I promise was not intentional, but again a result of my own biases. And for every atheist woman I missed, there was someone on my list a reader hadn’t heard of. I think this lack of awareness speaks strongly. If a fellow godless lady who trumpets the importance of female voices in atheism doesn’t know so many of these people, how will everyone else?
My best solution at the moment is to make a giant list. I can’t make people click the links, follow the blogs, or even care – but I think it will help. In all the comments here and at other sites, I’ve seen a curiosity – a “Why haven’t I heard of these people before? Time to check them out!” So hopefully people will click the unfamiliar names on this list and find a new favorite blogger, author, activist, or whatever.
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[…]A large list of awesome female atheists | Blag Hag[…]…
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[…] Kirby is trying to make the argument that women don’t actually have an interest in speaking up and presenting at conferences. I’ll admit, I don’t know much about the business world. Maybe this is true there (I doubt it), but the atheists and skeptic movement is a much different place, and there’s no shortage of women available to speak at conferences. This list includes: […]
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[…] and in case you’re not already aware of it: here, in a similar vein, is a large list of awesome female atheists, compiled by Jen McCreight at […]
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[…] A Large List of Awesome Female Atheists A list of some great female atheists who you should check out if you haven’t already done so. freethoughtblogs.com/blaghag/2010/01/a-large-list-of-awesome-female-atheists […]
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[…] A Large List of Awesome Female Atheists A list of some great female atheists who you should check out if you haven’t already done so. freethoughtblogs.com/blaghag/2010/01/a-large-list-of-awesome-female-atheists […]
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[…] and in case you’re not already aware of it: here, in a similar vein, is a large list of awesome female atheists, compiled by Jen McCreight at […]
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[…] A large list of awesome female atheists – In a perfect world, we shouldn’t have to have a separate list for female atheist activists. Some commenters even said such a list was “patronizing” by insinuating that women couldn’t play with the big boys. But when other … […]
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[…] A large list of awesome female atheists – Blag Hag – In a perfect world, we shouldn’t have to have a separate list for female atheist activists. Some commenters even said such a list was “patronizing” by … […]
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[…] A large list of awesome female atheists – In a perfect world, we shouldn’t have to have a separate list for female atheist activists. Some commenters even said such a list was “patronizing” by insinuating that women couldn’t play with the big boys. But when other. […]
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Egoist Paul says
Diana Hsieh – http://www.dianahsieh.com
Egoist Paul says
Diana Hsieh – http://www.dianahsieh.com
Anonymous says
Sarah Silverman
Anonymous says
Sarah Silverman
GodlessGirl says
What an honor to be part of this list. I now have many more women to read and follow! Great job, Jen.
GodlessGirl says
What an honor to be part of this list. I now have many more women to read and follow! Great job, Jen.
krissthesexyatheist says
Oh yea, this is what I wuz talking 'bout. Excellent work .
Heart Kriss
kriss the sexy atheist says
Oh yea, this is what I wuz talking ’bout. Excellent work . Heart Kriss
Urban Wild Cat says
Quick note, Laci Green's link points to ZOMGitsCriss' youtube page.
I think you meant it to point here.
Urban Wild Cat says
Quick note, Laci Green’s link points to ZOMGitsCriss’ youtube page.I think you meant it to point here.
Urban Wild Cat says
Oops, correction, that's her old channel.
New channel here.
Urban Wild Cat says
Oops, correction, that’s her old channel.New channel here.
godlizard says
Awesome list, must now go check them all out, while I contemplate how to become awesome myself (no I'm not hinting to get on the list, I've been blogging about atheism for about twelve and a half minutes so far, so I'm totally not worthy).
But it is an inspiring list, and I thank you for compiling it :)
BathTub says
I think you have too many people now for a poll. So next year… A Mortal Kombat style tournament!
BathTub says
I think you have too many people now for a poll. So next year… A Mortal Kombat style tournament!
Xuxana says
Yay, Leah! You're on the list. And deservedly so :)
Hope my blog can be as outspokenly Non-Theist as these on the list someday too, when my f&f can see fit to not give me such 'hell' about it!
Xuxana says
Yay, Leah! You’re on the list. And deservedly so :)Hope my blog can be as outspokenly Non-Theist as these on the list someday too, when my f&f can see fit to not give me such ‘hell’ about it!
Leah says
Oh my Google! I'm on a list!
Leah Elliott Hauge says
Oh my Google! I’m on a list!
Rev. Ouabache says
That is an impressive list. I've really been enjoying Attempts at Rational Behavior's blog lately. And I should probably turn in my skeptic card for not realizing that Podblack is Kylie Sturgis. Maybe I should start listening to their blog.
Rev. Ouabache says
That is an impressive list. I’ve really been enjoying Attempts at Rational Behavior’s blog lately. And I should probably turn in my skeptic card for not realizing that Podblack is Kylie Sturgis. Maybe I should start listening to their blog.
Egoist Paul says
Nicole Smalkowski
Egoist Paul says
Nicole Smalkowski
bree says
Signy ex-Muslim atheist blogger at http://ofglitnir.wordpress.com and defunct atheist ex-Muslim blog Kafir Girl http://kafirgirl.wordpress.com. I think it's especially important to support ex-Muslim bloggers, of either gender, because they speak out under threat and/or extreme pressure, and many of them give up blogging. Kafir girl's blog has an open comment area where other atheist bloggers have left links.
bree says
Signy ex-Muslim atheist blogger at http://ofglitnir.wordpress.com and defunct atheist ex-Muslim blog Kafir Girl http://kafirgirl.wordpress.com. I think it’s especially important to support ex-Muslim bloggers, of either gender, because they speak out under threat and/or extreme pressure, and many of them give up blogging. Kafir girl’s blog has an open comment area where other atheist bloggers have left links.
Angie Jackson says
Hey thanks for including me! FYI it's singular Anti-Theist with no "s" on the end :)
I'm also doing Videoblogging now at http://www.youtube.com/user/AngieAntiTheist I'm sure women here will be able to identify with how frustrating some of the feedback I get is. When a man can't actually keep up with me intellectually, invariably, he insults my appearance or calls me a whore. What the fuck does using my brain to think rationally have to do with being a paid sex worker???
*ahem* Thanks again.
Angie Jackson says
Hey thanks for including me! FYI it’s singular Anti-Theist with no “s” on the end :)I’m also doing Videoblogging now at http://www.youtube.com/user/An… I’m sure women here will be able to identify with how frustrating some of the feedback I get is. When a man can’t actually keep up with me intellectually, invariably, he insults my appearance or calls me a whore. What the fuck does using my brain to think rationally have to do with being a paid sex worker??? *ahem* Thanks again.
Podblack says
Thanks for the mention! I've just emailed you with corrected link to my blog. I'd suggest Desiree Schell of the Skeptically Speaking radio show? And the great Helen Razer, who is a writer, radio host and cultural commentator in Australia.
There's also other great women who will be either speaking as individuals or as a part of a dedicated panel at the Global Atheist Conference in March. As well as the previously mentioned Catherine Deveny; Jane Caro, Taslima Nasrin, Sue-Ann Post, Lyn Allison, Leslie Cannold, Maggie Millar and Tanya Levin. :)
Podblack says
Thanks for the mention! I’ve just emailed you with corrected link to my blog. I’d suggest Desiree Schell of the Skeptically Speaking radio show? And the great Helen Razer, who is a writer, radio host and cultural commentator in Australia. There’s also other great women who will be either speaking as individuals or as a part of a dedicated panel at the Global Atheist Conference in March. As well as the previously mentioned Catherine Deveny; Jane Caro, Taslima Nasrin, Sue-Ann Post, Lyn Allison, Leslie Cannold, Maggie Millar and Tanya Levin. :)
Ian Andreas Miller says
What a great new list!
Ian Andreas Miller says
What a great new list!
vjack says
Very nice. You've compiled a great list of blogs to check out. I'm familiar with many, but there are several that are new to me as well. I'll have fun reading.
vjack says
Very nice. You’ve compiled a great list of blogs to check out. I’m familiar with many, but there are several that are new to me as well. I’ll have fun reading.
chicago dyke says
thanks so much for that excellent list. i'm always looking for new writers and bloggers, and it's hard to get a better combo than feminist atheists.
of course, this means i'm going to get exactly no real work done today. ;-)
chicago dyke says
thanks so much for that excellent list. i’m always looking for new writers and bloggers, and it’s hard to get a better combo than feminist atheists. of course, this means i’m going to get exactly no real work done today. ;-)
Ophelia Benson says
Great list.
One more: Katha Pollitt. She rocks.
Swoopy says
Heidi Anderson – not only an atheist but a parent, raising freethinking kids. She blogs at thefatoneinthemiddle.typepad.com
And yes, Kylie Sturgess should also definitely be on this list. :)
Swoopy says
Heidi Anderson – not only an atheist but a parent, raising freethinking kids. She blogs at thefatoneinthemiddle.typepad.c…And yes, Kylie Sturgess should also definitely be on this list. :)
Anonymous says
Emma Goldman:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emma_Goldman/
Anonymous says
Emma Goldman:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E…
Ray Hauge says
Here are a few more suggestions, though I don't think they ever had blogs :)
Elizabeth Cady Stanton – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_cady_stanton
Rebecca West – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebecca_West
Emma Goldman – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emma_goldman
Margaret Sanger – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margaret_Sanger
Ray Hauge says
Here are a few more suggestions, though I don’t think they ever had blogs :)Elizabeth Cady Stanton – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E…Rebecca West – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R…Emma Goldman – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E…Margaret Sanger – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M…
Jim Frisby says
The women of negative entropy are pretty awesome, if I may say so.
Jim Frisby says
The women of negative entropy are pretty awesome, if I may say so.
Kylyssa Shay says
Wow, I'm flattered to be on the list. Thank you!
Now, I'm off to check out all of these blogs!
Kylyssa Shay says
Wow, I’m flattered to be on the list. Thank you!Now, I’m off to check out all of these blogs!
James says
Great List. Thank you. I was glad to see you included Jennifer Michael Hecht, who wrote a wonderful; book all atheists/agnostics/doubters/freethinkers/skeptics should read called "Doubt: A History". It will make you understand that the most interesting people (by far) in the history of human thinking have been the doubters.
James says
Great List. Thank you. I was glad to see you included Jennifer Michael Hecht, who wrote a wonderful; book all atheists/agnostics/doubters/freethinkers/skeptics should read called “Doubt: A History”. It will make you understand that the most interesting people (by far) in the history of human thinking have been the doubters.
Sili says
Sastra, OM of Pharyngular fame needs to be on this list.
So everyone get her to start/use her own blog.
SC, OM is a voice to reckon with as well: http://saltycurrent.blogspot.com/
Sili says
Sastra, OM of Pharyngular fame needs to be on this list.So everyone get her to start/use her own blog.SC, OM is a voice to reckon with as well: http://saltycurrent.blogspot.c…
Maia Caron says
Thanks Jen, for including me on this list. I don't think I've seen a comprehensive list of women atheists anywhere. I'll be sure to check out many of these names who are new to me. What a great community of freethinking women.
Maia Caron says
Thanks Jen, for including me on this list. I don’t think I’ve seen a comprehensive list of women atheists anywhere. I’ll be sure to check out many of these names who are new to me. What a great community of freethinking women.
Anonymous says
Awesome list! There's also a band called Team Smile and Nod. The singer/songwriter is an atheist. I recommend their song "Scrooge". http://www.myspace.com/teamsmileandnod
jose says
Kafir Girl disappeared without a word 1 year ago. Disturbing.
jose says
Kafir Girl disappeared without a word 1 year ago. Disturbing.
jose says
btw, you totally should include Ms. Paula Z. Myers.
jose says
btw, you totally should include Ms. Paula Z. Myers.
Podblack says
Where's Swoopy? http://www.skepticality.com! Need more Swoopy! :)
Podblack says
Where’s Swoopy? http://www.skepticality.com! Need more Swoopy! :)
A at R B says
Wow!! Thank you so much for the mention!!!
A at R B says
Wow!! Thank you so much for the mention!!!
Anonymous says
Amanda Gulledge, winner of the Good Without God essay on raising freethinking children.
Anonymous says
Amanda Gulledge, winner of the Good Without God essay on raising freethinking children.
Lyz says
Hehe, you think I don't explode. I only explode in the privacy of my office. You should see it sometime. ;)
Anyway, Maggie Ardiente is the Development Director at the American Humanist Association and she has done some really great work in that role.
Lyz says
Hehe, you think I don’t explode. I only explode in the privacy of my office. You should see it sometime. ;)Anyway, Maggie Ardiente is the Development Director at the American Humanist Association and she has done some really great work in that role.
Renee Hendricks says
Thanks so much for this extensive list! I'm always on the prowl for adding new atheist bloggers to read and it's a treat having a list of all women to choose from!
Renee Hendricks says
Thanks so much for this extensive list! I’m always on the prowl for adding new atheist bloggers to read and it’s a treat having a list of all women to choose from!
Miranda Celeste Hale says
Thank you for the mention :) I really appreciate it!
Miranda Celeste Hale says
Thank you for the mention :) I really appreciate it!
Desiree says
This makes me all squishy. Thanks so much for the mention!
Desiree says
This makes me all squishy. Thanks so much for the mention!
iHumanist says
Please don't forget us – me and my team of atheist women over in Scotland: June Maxwell, Director of Humanist Academy. We're doing our best to educate people out of the god mire.
Glasgow Humanist says
Please don’t forget us – me and my team of atheist women over in Scotland: June Maxwell, Director of Humanist Academy. We’re doing our best to educate people out of the god mire.
The Science Pundit says
How did you miss Nica Lalli?
Great list by the way!
The Science Pundit says
How did you miss Nica Lalli?Great list by the way!
Anonymous says
How about Dame Helen Mirren? You know, the Oscar winning actress.
Anonymous says
How about Dame Helen Mirren? You know, the Oscar winning actress.
Bob O'Hara says
Grrlscientist is also an atheist and blogger. I think she's awesome. But then I did marry her, so I might be biased.
Bob O'Hara says
Grrlscientist is also an atheist and blogger. I think she’s awesome. But then I did marry her, so I might be biased.
Anonymous says
Annie Margis at http://www.Godishness.com
Anonymous says
How about Emma Thompson? You know, the two-time Oscar winning actress.
Anonymous says
How about Emma Thompson? You know, the two-time Oscar winning actress.
Anonymous says
Zom Gits Criss on You Tube: Active vocal female atheist.
Anonymous says
Zom Gits Criss on You Tube: Active vocal female atheist.
Anonymous says
How about Amanda Donohoe? I don't she has won an Oscar. Yet.
Anonymous says
How about Amanda Donohoe? I don’t she has won an Oscar. Yet.
SUIRAUQA says
I agree wholeheartedly. It is such a great list and painstakingly made, too. My reading list is much, much enhanced now.
SUIRAUQA says
I agree wholeheartedly. It is such a great list and painstakingly made, too. My reading list is much, much enhanced now.
Swampfoot says
Janeane Garofolo!
A fine Atheist thinker.
Swampfoot says
Janeane Garofolo!A fine Atheist thinker.
Anonymous says
Toni van Pelt and Lauren Becker of the Center for Inquiry.
Karen says
Jes Constantine is co-host of the Humanist Network News podcast, sponsored by the American Humanist Assn.
Karen says
Jes Constantine is co-host of the Humanist Network News podcast, sponsored by the American Humanist Assn.
Anonymous says
http://www.evolvedrational.com/
Anonymous says
http://www.evolvedrational.com…
Laura- The Redheadedskeptic says
I am noticed! Lol! Thanks for writing me down! (My last name is Talley. In case anyone cares, which they probably don't, haha)
Laura- The Redheadedskeptic says
I am noticed! Lol! Thanks for writing me down! (My last name is Talley. In case anyone cares, which they probably don’t, haha)
Jeff Sherry says
Great list, but what about Ann Druyan?
JefFlyingV says
Great list, but what about Ann Druyan?
Ajita says
Nice list. Here are three you don't have up:Madalyn Murray O'HairMarkella HatzianoMeera Nanda
Christine Vyrnon says
Inspirational. Thanks for compiling this!
Christine Vyrnon says
Inspirational. Thanks for compiling this!
Anonymous says
@Lauruhpalooza
Anonymous says
@Lauruhpalooza
Nohm says
Is Barbara Forrest (sp?), from the Dover trial, a non-believer? If so, I'd definitely put her on this list, as she's the person who introduced us all to the "cdesign proponentsists".
Nohm says
Is Barbara Forrest (sp?), from the Dover trial, a non-believer? If so, I’d definitely put her on this list, as she’s the person who introduced us all to the “cdesign proponentsists”.
Anonymous says
Angelina Jolie? Jodie Foster? Meryl Streep?
Anonymous says
Angelina Jolie? Jodie Foster? Meryl Streep?
Anonymous says
Lois Porter, founding member and past president of Washington Area Secular Humanists
Jennifer Kalmanson, coordinator of the MDC chapter of Washington Area Secular Humanists and board member, secular celebrant.
Michelle Goldberg, author
Anonymous says
Lois Porter, founding member and past president of Washington Area Secular HumanistsJennifer Kalmanson, coordinator of the MDC chapter of Washington Area Secular Humanists and board member, secular celebrant.Michelle Goldberg, author
Marlene Winell says
Hello Jen,This is a great list. Thanks for including me.Marlene Winell
Sili says
Do agnostics count?: Pam Spaulding
The journalist who just interviewed PeeZed seem pretty awesome, too: Carrie Poppy
(And, yes, I think she looks cute, but that's not why I suggest her.)
Sili says
Do agnostics count?: Pam SpauldingThe journalist who just interviewed PeeZed seem pretty awesome, too: Carrie Poppy(And, yes, I think she looks cute, but that’s not why I suggest her.)
Whitney says
There are a lot of women involved in running camp quests and I don't think I saw their names http://www.camp-quest.org
Whitney says
There are a lot of women involved in running camp quests and I don’t think I saw their names http://www.camp-quest.org
Whitney says
Nevermind, I now see amanda's name. Missed it before
Whitney says
Nevermind, I now see amanda’s name. Missed it before
Anonymous says
I did not read all the comments so I do not know if she was mentioned but you should include Mynga Futrell. She is one of the co-founders (along with Paul Geisert) of the brights movement. She is the president of Atheist and Other Freethinkers and a member of the board of directors for the American Humanist Association. She works in education and tries to improve ways in which separation of church and state can be more effectively taught in classrooms.
Reba Boyd Wooden says
Just an update. Lauren Becker has been promoted to Vice President for Outreach for Center for Inquiry Transnational. Reba Boyd Wooden
Reba Boyd Wooden says
Just an update. Lauren Becker has been promoted to Vice President for Outreach for Center for Inquiry Transnational. Reba Boyd Wooden
Anonymous says
Who are any of these people? Really?
tstough says
I actually know a bunch of these ladies. Woohoo! Great list. I’m a fan of your blog just from this post.
Ryan Cameron says
Here are over 4000 more awesome female atheists:http://www.atheistnexus.org/pr…
dean cameron says
julie mullen & jessie marion who run the “rational moms” blog.
DyNama says
how about Rechelle Malin? she’s the former “christian shit-head”, as she calls herself, who publicly lost her faith on her blog at [email protected].
Tarras Bulba says
I always find ‘activists’ of any sort interesting … they end up being the other side of the same coin.Blogging – The quick and dirty way to become a socially acceptable attention whore (or stud?). It’s healthy to be sceptical, but false senses of accomplishments revolve around doing something for the sake of it . . .Try not to get too religious about being an atheist ;)(Oh .. and so what if they’re women? I thought we lived in the modern age where all animals are equal . . . ah . . . point taken . . . some animals are MORE equal than others.)
murmur55 says
@murmur55: atheist turned anti-theist cleaning up Jew-doo and Priest-poo…not by choice
Bruce says
Barbara Forrest is indeed atheist, but she doesn’t really advertise as such.
Mindy says
I don’t know how much she makes it part of her public persona, but Loretta Ross from SisterSong made my decade at a NOW conference when she introduced herself as, among other things, an “out atheist.” At that time I didn’t know any black female atheists, and I was thrilled to hear it!
Dale Husband says
You said: “this list is for living women who are known for their vocal support of atheism, skepticism, and/or scientific thinking – or, likewise, speaking out against religion and supernatural beliefs.”That’s good to know, because then I will never see Madalyn O’Hair on it. She may have been exactly what you described, but her hateful attitude towards people that differed from her so damaged the credibility of atheism that I wish she had never existed! Indeed, she fit the commonly held stereotype of the Angry Atheist so perfectly that one of her own sons disowned her and became a Christian!
Cora Judd says
Great list. How about the laurel-laden Dr. Rebecca Goldstein? Erudite academician and author of the acclaimed ’36 Arguments for the Existence of God: A Work of Fiction’ and wife of Steven Pinker, well known evolutionary biologist. Great interview of her in New Humanist, May issue. She rocks!
R. R. says
Susan B. Anthony!!!
Online Shopping Mall says
Interesting bunch of names!
schaffmc says
I can’t believe this one got missed! She’s not alive any longer, but very influential and a well-known Atheist — Ayn Rand.
Guest says
What about Sachiko McLean?http://www.sachikospace.com/en…Yes, her methods are highly unusual – she is a nude model who uses her body as a means of educating people about religion, atheism, secularism, humanism etc. while they have their pants down, so to speak, but I think this is a highly effective way of reaching people who might not otherwise learn about this stuff. Her new YouTube channel also uses this as a subversive, clever and frankly hilarious way of pointing out the absurdities of the Bible. Yes, she also uses her body as a means of funding her internet activities, but there’s nothing wrong with that, and she has to pay the bills like everyone else. The point is, she’s getting the atheist message out there in a highly entertaining and I think effective way, and her blog is a fantastic read, with some very intelligent articles – try this one, for example:http://www.sachikospace.com/en…It seems that because she is a nude/adult model, she doesn’t get the respect she deserves from the mainstream atheist community.
Welsh Atheist says
Julia Gillard – the new Prime Minister of Australia is… an athiest.yeah go girl. Check out the recent Australian press.
ZachsMind says
I wanna be on this list! ..but I have a penis. =( I don’t really use it anymore.. much..
Dale O'Flaherty says
No one mentioned Meera Nanda!http://newhumanist.org.uk/973/…http://newhumanist.org.uk/1731…
roberta cook says
Dany Darling- http://www.thebigcigarette.com
Fiona says
Awesome. Shall be scouring this list for inspiration.
Jes Constantine says
Thanks so much for including me on this list! I hope to interview some others on our podcast (formerly the Humanist Network News): the Humanist Hour.
tootlepip says
Samantha Stein- http://samanthastein.wordpress…Camp director of Camp Quest in the UK
Guest says
You’ve got Rebecca Watson listed twice…
astrosmash says
Did I miss Julia Sweeney on the list?
astrosmash says
Yes I did.
Sarah says
Ani DiFranco.
Monica Kirkhart-Mason Waggoner says
Bobbie Kirkhart – http://www.bobbiekirkhart.comPast president of Atheist Alliance International; serves on the board of Secular Coalition for America (and a founding member); co-president of Atheists United, a local atheist organization in Los Angeles; also serves on the board of Camp Quest, I think.Her website is a little out of date… but that’s probably her daughter’s fault. ;-)
Larro says
What about historical female atheists?Ernestine Rose
Margaret Morgan says
Me! Margaret Morgan, science blogger, biologist and former lawyer. Blog: http://www.growingpassion.org
a grrrl says
Me too? Rebekah Bennetch: former fundy, raging atheist, mama of toddler, periodic ranter at Grrrl Meets World: http://www.grrrlmeetsworld.com…
LadyAtheist says
Not famous and only “out” with people I know but for what it’s worth: http://ladyatheist.blogspot.co…
Heathenmommy says
Jamila Bey is an NPR producer and standup comedian from Washington DC and she is black.
Charles Stevens says
I love that you have Taslima Nasrim on the list! She has a particularly eye-opening story.
Stu Minnis says
Excellent list, but I lol’d at Carolyn Porco…”comedian/other”
Ashleyfmiller says
I’m probably not all that notable but I do blog a lot about atheism and skeptics and contribute to shethought fairly regularly… and phil plait got in an argument with me that one time and I got phayngulated that other time.http://ashleyfmiller.wordpress…
Madeira says
http://thepeacockangel.tumblr…. I’m an atheist, feminist, lesbian, who writes about feminism, sex, atheism, morality, and LGBTQ issues
Heidi McClure says
I’m definitely not notable, and I tend toward thinking out loud/mind ramblings, but if you’re interested in adding me:http://secularwoman.blogspot.c…
A guest says
I wou ld love suggestions for magazines that regularly feature atheist women’s writings!
Easysqueezy says
Amy Alkon.http://www.advicegoddess.com/a…
Luciano says
Please check out
where you can see some of the work that is been done here in Italy by Sabina Guzzanti, actress, comedian, filmmaker and activist. Penn&Teller show how important was her attack on the Vatican, and how the Italian establishment came down on her.
Darkchilde says
I am not very notable either, but I keep a blog and have talked about my atheism in some of the posts: http://tenebra98.blogspot.comI also am a founding member of the new Greek Atheist Union. If you check the English blog of the greek atheist community, some of my blog entries have been featured there: http://english.atheia.grThere is another very notable female member writing for the greek atheist community, she goes by the name Aorati Melani (which translated means “Invisible Ink”)Edit: My real name is Paraskevi Oppio, and I usually go with the nickname Darkchilde.
AC says
Shazia Mirza – Comedian
Eva, supermod. says
Oh My Dawg!!!! You forgot Judith Hayes!!!!!!!!
Max says
Fantastic list. Although she died in the last few weeks, can I suggest the British author and journalist Claire Rayner?Thank you.
@Chazdrums says
Awesomeness. Female Atheist Power.
Sweetwillygc71 says
http://www.freethoughtfilmfest…
Guest says
There are two novels that can change a bookish fourteen-year old’s life: The Lord of the Rings and Atlas Shrugged. One is a childish fantasy that often engenders a lifelong obsession with its unbelievable heroes, leading to an emotionally stunted, socially crippled adulthood, unable to deal with the real world. The other, of course, involves orcs.
Guest says
I would like to nominate Dr. Leslie Griffin: http://religionrogue.blogspot…. . She holds the Larry and Joanne Doherty Chair in Legal Ethics at the University of Houston Law Center, where she teaches constitutional law, law and religion, torts, and professional responsibility.
Styles2281 says
Love her or hate her, Ayn Rand should probably added to the list.
Deeptracks says
Mina Ahadi founder and coordinator of the International Committees against Execution and Stoning (http://stopstonningnow.com).She has won the National Secular Society’s 2007 Secularist of the Year award.Mina Ahadi Co-founded the Central Council of Ex-Muslims in Germany(http://www.ex-muslime.de/) which has since opened branches in Britain, Scandinavia and the Netherlands.She wrote a book about her deconversion , “Ich habe abgeschworen” published in 2008 in Germany by Heyne (http://www.randomhouse.de/book…
Gorilla Atheist says
You should look into adding Diana Agorio
Jon says
I would respect a complete list a lot more. It would add those who should not be omitted because of gender. As long as you are writing a female list instead of a human list, you are participating in the very division you seek to rectify. Not that I don’t see the issue to overcome, but the day you speak of can begin today, if we will only start it. But alas I guess it’s still get-back time. Sigh.
Todd Stiefel says
I would like to third the addition of Barbara Forrest. She is on the board of the New Orleans Secular Humanist Association (http://www.nosha.info/who.html…, so she is a nontheist. She is also a rock star in the defense of evolution in education. Check out this brief bio from the National Center for Science Education: http://ncse.com/about/speakers
Dean Morrison says
ZOMGitscriss really deserves to be on the list of video bloggers:http://www.youtube.com/user/ZO…
Darkhorse says
Well done and Happy New Year to you and all your fellow female atheists. The world will become a much better place when people become enlightened sufficiently to realise that religion is the greatest con job ever perpetrated against humanity.
Oldman says
Ditto.
Jim says
Great list – and blog! A wonderful trove for atheistic exploration. Women have been and are the most demeaned and abused by religion and I salute all these fighters who aren’t going to take it anymore.A couple suggestions for the list:Anne Nicol Gaylor (with her daughter Annie Laurie) co-founded the Freedom from Religion Foundation (ffrf.org) in 1978; it is the largest atheist-freethinker organization in the country and probably the most influential (depending on your definition); she is also an author: “Lead Us Not into Penn Station”, among others; she founded and is still runs the Women’s Medical Fund in Madison, WI which helps women in need afford abortions. She was pre-Internet, but highly visible in print media for 25+ years. She shoulda been in the poll.Annie Laurie Gaylor should also be listed as an AUTHOR (“Woe to the women, the Bible tells me so” (1981), “Betrayal of trust: Clergy’s abuse of children” (1988), “Women Without Superstition: The Collected Writings of Women Freethinkers of the 19th and 20th Centuries” (1997) and as a BROADCASTER/PODCASTER: Freethought Radio (see ffrf.org)Thanks and please continue to grow the list.
Agold122248 says
The wonderful Margaret Downey gets my vote for whatever category or award there is.
Rose Schwartz says
I do feel left out. http://jewmanist.com
Steve says
Great list! A suggestion for addition: Opera and pop singer Markella (markella.com) is outspoken about her non-belief, has been interviewed by Dan and Annie Laurie on Freethought radio ( http://ffrf.org/news/radio/sho… ) and has recorded numerous freethought songs such as God Delusion, Born Again, The Odyssey: If I Were God and Imaginary Friend.
Paradigmo Incognito says
There is a striking lack of real talent in the list above. I don’t see any author on level with say Margaret Atwood. You rather make the case for atheists lacking imagination. It’s very hard to find atheist writers and artists who have created anything of lasting power.
Michael Mills says
Have I missed Gia Milonovich here? Otherwise her blog is at: http://www.giagia.co.uk/
thepeat says
Wanda Sykes
Davecortesi says
Don’t know if she’s an out atheist but she’s a 14-karat skeptic: Dr. Amy Tuteur, the Skeptical OB (http://skepticalob.blogspot.co…
BBGunn says
Amy Rohren from the “Mr. Deity” series.
DougF says
Dr Rachael Dunlop @DrRachie. Skeptic. Relentless and successful campaigner against the anti-vax Australian Vaccination Network and S-CAMs .
Carlie says
KimDonesia is no longer blogging from what I can tell.
Anna Helen Johnhstone says
I’m a an atheist blogger who also writes about politics and current affairs.http://asystemofrandomtangents…
John says
It says “awesome female atheists”. Ayn Rand was an egotistic classist bigot
John says
Thank you for not including Ayn Rand! She is a despicable megalomaniac classist bitch.
Simon Davis says
Melody Hensley, Executive Director Center for Inquiry DC: http://www.centerforinquiry.ne…(also emailed this)PS Toni Van Pelt does not identify as an atheist by her own admission and no longer holds her post at CFI
The Red Pill says
This isn’t a living person but she is important enough to list anyway, if there is only one women in history you read up on it should be:Ernestine L. Rose : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E…Several works can be found free on Google Books:http://bit.ly/free_gbooks_rose And one I cannot find but would love to read (I must visit a major library sometime):Defence of Atheism: Being a Lecture delivered in Mercantile Hall, Boston, April 10, 1861
Kaileigh says
I’m not sure if you are still updating this list, but I thought I would put in a good word for Jessica Ahlquist of Cranston, RI. She’s 15 years old and currently involved in a separation of church and state case with the ACLU. I know you are interested in women and girls becoming more involved in atheism and I think she’s a great example.
LostInTheBibleBelt says
Interesting list. Thanks!
Ekke says
Can we please not use the word ‘bitch’ to dismiss a woman? Attack her ideas but please respect her personhood, even if you fervently disagree with her on everything.
Rollingforest says
Do you feel the same way about the terms “bastard” or “asshole”? I don’t think that any of the three terms mentioned are meant to refer to all of a particular gender or group.
Ekke says
Rollingforest, yes, I feel the same way, even though the word ‘bitch’ has a far more negative history than the words ‘bastard’ and ‘asshole’. Even if what you are saying is true, ie the terms do not and are not meant to refer to all of a particular gender or group, it is still problematic to use a word like that instead of decrying s a person’s actions.
Rollingforest says
I agree that we should be focused on the issues rather than insulting people personally. And from my personal experience, I agree with you that it does seems true that the term “bitch” is seen as more of a negative term than “bastard” or “dick” is, which might show gender bias. To me, it seems that “bitch” and “asshole” are seem to be at about the same level of negativity by the general public, though admittedly one term is used to refer only to women you dislike while the other can be used to refer to people of either gender you dislike, which does seem unfair. However, to get the true answer for whether the general public feels that the word “bitch” (or any of the other terms) denies someone their personhood, since it is the general public who ultimately decides what a word means, we’d have to find a way to measure their conscious and subconscious reaction to the word, something that can be difficult to do.
Ekke says
But the original comment says nothing about her actions; it focuses on her as a person. Such insults do not belong on a forum such as this, never mind what the intended meaning is.
Rollingforest says
Well if we can cut down on internet flamewars, I’m all for that.
Oriana Varas says
This list makes me happy.
Anthrogran says
I’d like to add Azar Nafisi for her “Reading Lolita in Tehran”, a lovely book that shows readers what Nafisi taught her female students about standing up to tyranny and claiming their female identities through literature.
Opcnup says
How about Julia Galef?
C Wayne says
Thank you for the list. You people [atheist bloggers: men and women] keep me sane.
Ralph Gentile says
I’d like to add Christine Comer. I don’t know if she’s an Atheist, but she took one for the team a few years ago.
Marlashane says
Chris is not an atheist.
Wendy Tomlinson says
I’m an atheist blogger:http://www.cyrenity.com/blog.h…
Emily (luvtheheaven) says
No, that channel is her sex channel, it’s all about all sorts of things sex-related. For atheism stuff she’s still only here: http://www.youtube.com/gogreen…
teammarty says
I’d like to add Arlene-Marie, State Director of Michigan Atheists and activist involed with American Atheists since Madalyn Murray O’Hair lived in Maryland (60’s 70’s, somewhere in there) and has been defending the constitution ever since.
MaryAnn Johanson says
I’m an atheist film critic who doesn’t hesitate to bring atheism into my criticism when appropriate. Such as here:http://www.flickfilosopher.com…http://www.flickfilosopher.com…http://www.flickfilosopher.com…
Jesse Weinstein says
GrrlScientist ‘s blog has moved: http://www.guardian.co.uk/scie…
R J King says
Might I suggest Maryam Namazie? Particularly keen to take on Islamic anti-female unpleasantness.
pneumonosity says
British actress Emma Thompson is a serious atheist!
Kate Flood says
This is such a good list… especially as it’s 2011 and some people still associate science and Atheism and pretty much anything else that requires thinking solely with men.I don’t consider this list patronizing at all, quite the opposite. There are quite a few people on here whose work I wasn’t aware of either, thanks for posting.
Esther Wheaton says
I was Googling around and found this list – amazing author Ursula K Le Guin should be added!
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Dread_pirate_nat says
So glad Sue-Ann Post made it on to the comedian list.
Xanthe Wyse says
Excellent to find this. I shall be checking people out. I’m an ex-christian with a blog called God Confusion http://godconfusion.blogspot.c…
Guest says
Of course not, the list seems limited to collectivist statest doctrinaire liberals who would love to use the power of the state to, at the least, mute those they detest. A group just as nutty as the religious right they decry.
Rare blog reader says
My annoyance with the list is the glaring paucity of scientists. I am a female, atheist, biologist (not by career but by training), and have been all my life. I know there are plenty of female atheists actually working in the field of science, why aren’t they speaking out? Frankly, I have no interest in “just so” atheists, bloggers, who talk and talk, or entertainers, or comedians. I have no interest in reading “talk”, my interests are in how knowledge and science affect public policy and the understanding of the living world we live in. I feel like we need to boycott all four horsemen of atheism… and let them know we’re tired of listening to the same old boys club all the time. It’s time our organisations turn the microphone over to female atheist scientists.
Naomi Moore says
English comedian Lucy Porter is an atheist, she contributed to The Atheist’s Guide To Christmas.
Jason Paul Bachand says
I have recently been in contact with Sheril Kirshenbaum, who informed me that she does not label herself an atheist. It would probably be courteous, then, to remove her name from this list.
Rich Lyons says
Deanna LyonsLivingafterfaith.comShe is co-host of the Living After Faith podcast, makes guest appearances on Ask An Atheist, and is working to make the world a better place for people without faith.
That Guy says
I’m really happy to see someone compiling a list of prominent female Atheists. It’s a healthy thing to have a fuller view of this demographic that so often is believed near non-existent.Although your list doesn’t claim to be exhaustive, I wanted to throw the author Ursula K. Leguin into consideration. She writes in the introduction to ‘The Left Hand of Darkness’ that she is an atheist, though one might never think it to read her books intensely interested in theology and spirituality as they are. She’s an interesting atheist for her ability not to immediately throw all religion in the fire, she’s careful to recognize good and evil in all things. Secularism’s capacity for evil is given weight and balance and compared with theism’s capacity for the same.
Homer C. says
Emily Dietle (emilyhasbooks)- atheist blogger http://www.pixelstampede.wordpress.com
joelj says
I would suggest adding Leslie Zukor, founder and operator of the Freethought Books Project.
Another commenter suggested Mynga Futrell. I see that she’s on the list, but her first name is misspelled.
I also notice that the links to Greta Christina’s blog and your own need to be updated to the ftb site.
Good list! Some impressive women there.
philcook says
Be sure to include Ashley F. Miller, and also Nica Lalli.
Robert Voss says
Please add to woman atheist of the year:
Chris Rodda is the Senior Research Director for the Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF), and the author of Liars For Jesus
rdmiller3 says
Rebecca Watson – for bringing attention to the rampant misogyny in the atheist community and making it into an issue which cannot be ignored.
(null) says
It’s ‘Abbie Smith’, not ‘Abby Smith’.
(null) says
grrlscientist relocated her blog two years ago and is now at the Guardian.
Lauren says
Ellenbeth Wachs: President of Atheists of Florida and Humanists of Florida. Recipient of American Atheists Florida Atheist activist of the year. Ellenbeth is also involved with SOS, a secular 12step program and has gone to jail fighting SOCAS issues in Polk County, Florida.
Barbie Pagani says
Great, happy any person think it is helpful!
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