Apostates tell their stories
Lectures by apostates * Panel «Is apostasy a private matter»?" * Films about religious dropouts
What is it like to break out of a religious environment? What if your own family, your circle of friends cannot accept it? People who have opted out of various religious communities and sects tell their story. They report how they overcame difficulties and what they want from society.
All infos on tag-der-apostasie.ch (in German)
Highlights
Sarah Haider
Sarah Haider grew up in Pakistan and the USA in a Muslim family. As a teenager she decided to wear the hijab. However, after debates with fellow students she turned away from religion at the age of 16. She is co-founder of the Ex-Muslims of North America, an association which takes care of religious dropouts.
Inna Shevshenko
Inna Shevchenko grew up in Ukraine in a Catholic environment. She turned away from religion because of the Church's misogyny and its teachings. Shevchenko is co-founder of FEMEN and wrote the book Anatomie de l'oppression - deux femen défient les religions together with Pauline Hillier.
Mariam Namazie
Maryam Namazie grew up in Iran. Her family fled after the Islamic Revolution. She now lives in England and is co-founder of the Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain and spokesperson for the One Law for All campaign, which calls for the abolition of religious courts in Britain.
Film "No longer without you"
Nazmiye Oral and her mother live in the Netherlands. The daughter enjoys Western life, while mother Havva continues to feel committed to the Muslim traditions of her old homeland, Turkey. In the intimate atmosphere of their living room, they discuss faith, sexuality and values - both sometimes angry, sometimes full of love for their counterpart.
We show the film version of the play of the same name, where the two women impressively process their own family history. Nazmiye Oral will be present and answer questions from the audience after the screening.