The Western-Centric Nature of Intersectional Feminism

Intersectional feminists fail Muslim women by valorising difference over shared humanity and overlooking or excusing abuse from their own communities. Many critics of intersectional feminism have accused its activists of not caring about the welfare of Muslim women. This is not straightforwardly true but it is easy to see why they get this impression. In […] Read more

The Token Ex-Muslim

“There are times when silence becomes an accomplice to injustice.” – Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Infidel Taking the Plunge and Living Authentically  I consider myself a lucky ex-Muslim. When I came out to my family about my apostasy, I did not face violence or hatred. I was not ostracised. Certain family members and friends expressed sadness, but […] Read more

“Interpretation!” Is Not an Acceptable Reply to Criticism of Religious Texts

Religion, its role in society, its importance and the liberties it is accorded are in the news again. Particularly when it comes to matters of social equality, the argument that a given religion or ideology is fundamentally skewed against socio-cultural progress meets with swift denial and the insistence that religious import depends on interpretation. This is not an indirect attack […] Read more

Q&A on Ex-Muslim Experiences – Session 1, Yasmeen

I asked the Maryam Namazie, who is a key figure of the Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain, about starting an educational series on the experiences of ex-Muslims, which will be having an event entitled “International Conference on Freedom of Conscience and Expression in the 21st Century,” on 22-24 July 2017 in Central London. She liked the idea, and recommended some people. The following sessions are the stories, the personal narratives, of ex-Muslims in general. Yasmeen is the first profile. Here is her story as an ex-Muslim in America. Read more

Interview with Andy Ngo – Formerly at the Vanguard, Portland State University

Andy Ngo is a University of California, Los Angeles alumnus. He is a graduate student at Portland State and a freelance journalist. Shortly before this audio interview, he made a recording of a student speaking on Islam at “Unpacking Misconceptions” at Portland State University. Based on his reporting, he was fired by the Portland State University student newspaper, the Vanguard. He wrote an op-ed in the National Review about it. The Vanguard wrote a response to it after this audio interview. He can be reached through Twitter. Here is his recounting of the event and aftermath. Read more