I have been an atheist for 6 years now, my earliest memory of criticizing islam goes back to when I was 4. I grew up in a very conservative household to a very religious mother who took it upon herself to raise me in the most islamic manner possible. I memorized 17/30 chapters of the quran. my deep knowledge in fiqh, hadith, tafseer, and sharia was what led me to reject the whole thing altogether. Having been born & raised in the Gaza Strip, a besieged war zone I think I had a similar experience to that of Europeans following the two world wars. My interest in philosophy & my homosexuality have helped me greatly, and I eventually helped 6 of my friends, at least, to leave islam —others have become quranic muslims or less religious. I have received many death threats -big surprise- and I frequently get into arguments with Muslims which puts my life in jeopardy since Gaza is under the rule of Hamas. I honestly don’t know why I’d like to join the council of ex-muslims, posts about Nourhan Nassar passing away led me here. I think you could provide a safe space, or a platform. I appreciate the work you do, and would like to hopefully become a member.