simplyopinions:nonplussedbyreligion:‘Coming Out in America’ is a new film about atheists coming outRose Schwartz, Las Vegas Atheism ExaminerOctober 6, 2011 - A Tiroir A Films documentary focuses on atheists coming out in America. Coming Out in America(working title) illustrates diverse people in different parts of the country who are taking the first step; they are “coming out” as nonbelievers.The film portrays how their lives are changed just by coming out. It is not a huge leap to assume that some friends and peers may have a problem with the coming out process but it doesn’t end there. Some of those who come out are shamed by their local communities and even their own families. When the principal of the school has a problem with a student’s atheism, were can that student go for help against a bully?This documentary seeks to shed light on the bullying, discrimination and overall ill-regard many atheists face in modern society.The general goal of this film is to showcase the goodness that can exist within anyone, no matter what his or her religious or philosophical worldview may be. Additionally, it shows the necessity for finding a common ground between the religious and nonreligious in an ever-polarizing America.In April 2011, while researching the topic of humanism, Tiroir A Films attended the American Humanist Association’s 70th Anniversary Conference in Cambridge, Massachusetts. This film documents that event as well as others. Tiroir A Films is the exploratory stage and still looking for personal stories to feature in this documentary. If interested in sharing a story for this project, don’t hesitate to contact Tiroir A Films here.This documentary project is still a work in progress. Tiroir A Films is also seeking financial sponsors to support this project. The American Humanist Association (AHA) is the fiscal sponsor for this film so all donations to AHA with a memo “Tiroir A Films: Coming Out Project” will go to funding this documentary. No one should have to “come out” as non-religious. We are non-religious by default. But this is a sad truth.Indeed.This is why I resist joining atheist groups—it feels weird joining a group of people whose purpose is to champion reality, truth and facts. I’m not sure I like the idea of “humanism” either. I don’t want to replace one “belief” system with another. I’d rather just wash my hands of magical thinking entirely and just focus on making the world a better place.Still, this docu looks like a worthy cause. We live in a pretty messed up time, where simply stating your need for proof of a god can get you in trouble with friends and family. I’m still stunned when gays are upset about their church/temple/mosque not accepting their sexual preference. My attitude is: why do you need their approval? They believe in imaginary beings!