It’s that time of year again! Yep, time for arbitrarily quantifiable Top 10 lists. Last year’s poll on influential atheist women was so successful, I felt like it would be a great idea to do one again.
Yes, we all know polls aren’t scientifically meaningful – technically PZ Myers was one of the most influential female atheists of 2009 (should never allow write-ins when Pharyngulites are around). But the way I see it, all the women on this list are winners, and this is just one way to showcase them. Here are the nominees, suggested by my blog readers via twitter and facebook, or added by yours truly:
- Ayaan Hirsi Ali – Women’s rights activist combating militant Islam, author of Nomad: From Islam to America: A Personal Journey Through the Clash of Civilizations
- Ophelia Benson – Blogger at and Editor of Butterflies and Wheels
- Greta Christina – Blogger & writer for AlterNet, focusing on atheism, sexuality, and GLBT issues
- Margaret Downey – Activist, founder and president of The Freethought Society
- 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
- Sikivu Hutchinson – Author of Moral Combat: Black Atheists, Gender Politics and the Values Wars, Blogger at Black Agenda Report and The New Humanist
- Susan Jacoby – Writer for the Washington Post on Faith Blog, and director of New York’s Center for Inquiry
- Lyz Liddell – Campus organizer for the Secular Student Alliance, still hasn’t exploded despite the SSA growing to 231 student groups
- Amanda Marcotte – Blogger at Pandagon, focusing on politics and women’s issues
- Maryam Namazie – Writer and Human Rights activist, focusing on secularism and women’s rights in Iran
- Cristina Rad (ZOMGitsCriss) – Videoblogger
- Eugenie Scott – executive director of the National Center for Science Education, outspoken opponent of Intelligent Design and creationism
- Valerie Tarico – Author and Blogger at the Huffington Post
- Rebecca Watson – Skepchick and co-host of popular podcast The Skeptic’s Guide to the Universe
I know it’s hard to vote when there are so many awesome women on one list, so you can vote for up to three. If you want to vote for someone not on the list, please select “Other” and leave your vote in the comments:
Who was the most influential female atheist of 2010?Market Research
It was hard selecting just 15 nominees – you can see a much longer list of awesome female atheists here.
Some people will probably think a women-only list is just perpetuating sexism, or implying women can’t play with the “big boys” of atheism, so they need their own poll. But really, it’s addressing the problem that so many women are doing fabulous things in the movement, but too few people know about their achievements. This is just one way of highlighting all the awesome work they’ve done in the past year.
*People using Google Reader or other RSS feed aggregators may not be able to see the poll. Please visit the original post to voice your opinion!
126 comments
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asonge
December 29, 2010 at 9:23 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Lyz Lidell isn’t on the poll, but is in the list.
Jen
December 29, 2010 at 9:25 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Fixed. I knew I’d screw something up :P
Xtine
December 29, 2010 at 9:38 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
This inspires me to get to know all of their work – before I vote. How much time is there again?
Jen
December 29, 2010 at 9:40 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
I know “whenever I get bored with it” isn’t a very good answer, so… uh, until January 1st?
KTSA
December 29, 2010 at 9:40 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
I don’t see it as women can’t play with the big boys. It’s more like the atheist blogosphere is male dominated just like most endeavors. Lists like this is exactly what is needed. Awesomeness “J”.Kriss
TGHO
December 29, 2010 at 9:42 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
I’d probably have to vote for you, Jen.Cheers,TGHO
Kevin Jones
December 29, 2010 at 9:49 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
My ‘Other’ vote.With all due respect:Out of that list, I think Margaret Downey said something important and public this year and I watched a video of Ayaan Hirsi Ali on Colbert this past year. Beyond that, I’ve seen nothing by any of these other women anywhere that I can recall. Nothing against them, I’m sure they are doing their thing.The one atheist woman I have seen the most of is the character Britta Perry, played by Gillian Jacobs, on the very popular show Community. I know it may seem like I am making a joke, but think about it for a second, a positive character on a major network who openly states they are an atheist (and the other leader of the group Jeff Winger, played by Joel McHale, is agnostic). That is a pretty big step forward.
James Vanderzon
December 29, 2010 at 9:50 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Why aren’t you on this list??
Jim Steele
December 29, 2010 at 9:58 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
I voted for ‘Other’, to mean Kathy Griffin. I took ‘influential’ to imply influence in popular culture in general, rather than just among the skeptical community. For honorable mention I would pick Julia Galef. I love the Rationally Speaking podcasts.
Chris Rhodes
December 29, 2010 at 10:08 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Boobquake. ’nuff said.
JT Eberhard
December 29, 2010 at 10:19 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Wish I could vote for four (would want five if you were including yourself).Go Lyz! Go Debbie!JT
SuperHappyJen
December 29, 2010 at 10:25 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
What, no Jen McCreight?
Anonymous-Oh-God-Keep-Her-Away
December 29, 2010 at 10:29 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Margaret Downey is uninteresting, a poor speaker, and from my conversations with her totally nuts. I am afraid to be in the same room as that woman.
Mattskimo
December 29, 2010 at 10:37 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
I’m pretty sure that Eugenie Scott isn’t an Athiest. She’s still pretty awesome though.
Greta Christina
December 29, 2010 at 10:44 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
I’m going to second — or at this point, fifth or sixth — the shocking omission of one Jen McCreight. How on earth could she be left off a list of Most Influential Female Atheists of 2011? What kind of out- of- touch crackpot wrote this list, anyway?
Jaki
December 29, 2010 at 10:53 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
My other vote is: Jen McCreightYou were very influential to this female atheist!
Jen
December 29, 2010 at 10:56 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
I heard the author of the list suffers from hyper-modesty and hates selection bias.(But seriously, thank you)
Strinka
December 29, 2010 at 10:57 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Another vote for Jen McCreight.Although you may not have been the most constructively influential female atheist of 2010, but you were definitely the most visible.
Alyx Ward
December 29, 2010 at 11:00 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
I’m also voting for you; with a couple of exceptions, Boobquake is the only reason I found out about these women anyway.
Rla1247
December 29, 2010 at 11:03 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
I vote for Jen McCreight too.
Ralfnausk
December 29, 2010 at 11:30 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
As Jen McCreight is not on the poll, i will vote for the second most influential female atheist – because i don’t think “Boobquake” can be topped in raising awareness to the absurdity of religion.
Mnkcsajs9978
December 29, 2010 at 11:53 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
I voted for Rebecca Watson.
Jay Walker
December 30, 2010 at 12:04 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
I vote for Jen McCreight too. You have certainly helped me accept and embrace being an atheist, more than just about anyone else I can think of.
Amy
December 30, 2010 at 12:08 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Amanda Metskas! She is Executive Director of Camp Quest, Inc, a summer camp for kids from atheist (etc) families, and several new locations were added this year as well as preparing for debut next year. Go Camp Quest!
Ophelia Benson
December 30, 2010 at 12:12 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Hey thanks Jen – and yes you should be on the ballot. Maybe somebody could hack the poll…People who don’t know about her should check out Maryam Namazie, vote or no vote. She does amazing, risky work.
Gareth McGregor
December 30, 2010 at 12:20 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Voted other. That boobquake chick should get it.
Red
December 30, 2010 at 12:21 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
I’m voting Jen, thanks to Boobquake.
weezmgk
December 30, 2010 at 12:28 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Other: Jen McCreight. No other female atheist got more media in 2010 than you, Jen.
Marion Delgado
December 30, 2010 at 12:29 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
My “Other” vote is Jen.
Mike Brownstein
December 30, 2010 at 1:14 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
I’m writing in Lucy Gubbins. The Happy Atheists are a group I wish I could be a part of!
plublesnork
December 30, 2010 at 1:20 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
I voted other.The woman who has had the most impact on my personal betterment would have to be Melissa McEwan from Shakesville. She’s helped me see things that privilege had previously hidden from my view.I’d also like to cast a vote for Angie Jackson, aka Angie The Anti-Theist. She talked openly and publicly about her abortion in an attempt to make it less taboo to acknowledge getting a perfectly legal procedure done, and that one doesn’t need to be ashamed, nor did she stay silent when the bigots tried relentlessly to make her feel the shame they think she should.Molly Norris also deserves a mention for “Everybody draw Muhammed Day”. Her idea has cost her a lot in personal freedoms, and like Angie, she’s given the finger to a taboo that just shouldn’t be.
Tom Rhoads
December 30, 2010 at 1:22 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
All very worthy, and it’s great that you are showcasing them here. However, my vote is for Carolyn Porco. Of course, we all know that PZ can win again if he decides he wants to. :)
bob42
December 30, 2010 at 1:22 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Poll Daddy supports multiple choices, and if I understand correctly, your latest vote overrides any you might have cast before. I’d have voted for Jen too, because of the awesomeness of Boobquake. She is my write-in candidate.I hanged my chads for Rebecca (cuz she’s just plain cool) and for Dr. Scott because of my appreciation of the NCSE, and her timely visits to Austin to help stop the fundies on the State Board of Education from dumbing down everyone’s kids for the next 10 years.
Ophelia Benson
December 30, 2010 at 1:29 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Debbie Goddard can sing any Cole Porter tune you throw at her. I think that should be taken into consideration.
A new reader
December 30, 2010 at 1:56 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Other. Jennifer Micheal Hecht!
Jlbriggs
December 30, 2010 at 1:58 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
I’m all for modesty, but as has been said, boobquake puts you on this list Jen, and among many other things makes you my ‘other’ vote.
Niroz
December 30, 2010 at 2:06 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
My vote: Greta, Rebecca Watson and Other: Jen
Emily
December 30, 2010 at 2:08 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Other: Jen McCreight (woo! spelled it right!) for Boobquake. You really were the most visible of these choices, as my sister who doesn’t care at all about secularism came to boobquake through her friends before I could even tell her about it. Well done, you.
Ian Andreas Miller
December 30, 2010 at 3:34 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
I can’t decide! So many great choices!But I can decide this — Other: Jen for Boobquake.
DC
December 30, 2010 at 3:37 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
My other vote(s) are these two:1-Jen McCreight…you have no idea of your reach on these matters!2-Reba Boyd Wooden…director of Indy Center for Inquiry….influential in bringing together a community of non-believers in the middle of the Bible belt, keeping it running, publishing her thoughts regularly, keeping the members active, supporting campus secular groups in the state,pulling in great nationally known speakers and having what has to be the most successful CFI franchise in the country……and on and on.
Eaving O'Larkin
December 30, 2010 at 4:17 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Jen I would like to applaud your stance on selection bias, though I think the modesty bit is a tad foolish. I’m sure you’ll ignore the other votes for yourself, but do know you were rather brilliantly influential this year and your blog is a blast.
Cygore
December 30, 2010 at 4:53 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
My second vote is for Jen. Hey, I’m from the Chicago area. :)
quantheory
December 30, 2010 at 7:19 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
I compulsively have to cast a vote for Greta Christina on anything (positive). Even if the category is for most efficient flying carburetor. srsly.
Ulrika
December 30, 2010 at 8:35 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
My vote is for Jen.
Azportsider
December 30, 2010 at 9:56 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Boobquake. Any other questions?
jan
December 30, 2010 at 10:18 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Voted other; all female atheists are in a sense influential, especially those we only hear about in the news because they spoke out in a retarded society and suffer severe consequences.
Deen
December 30, 2010 at 11:42 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Why isn’t that boobquake person on here? What’s her name again…My ‘other’ vote goes to Jen as well. I would’ve happily voted for Greta Christina, Ophelia Benson or Rebecca Watson too, but boobquake got so much media attention that for me Jen wins this year.
Mmb2ba
December 30, 2010 at 1:38 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Man, Melissa McEwan has me split. I almost always agree with her ideas, and the content of her posts, but she’s so openly contemptuous of everything and everybody that I find it hard to really “like” her.
Mmb2ba
December 30, 2010 at 1:40 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
if wikipedia is to be believed, Scott “describes herself as atheist but does not discount the importance of spirituality”
Bud Uzoras
December 30, 2010 at 1:52 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
My vote still goes to PZ Myers.
Bruce Coppola
December 30, 2010 at 2:18 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
OK, speaking of Boobquake (and I am not making this up): a 4.2 magnitude earthquake hit your former home state of Indiana near Kokomo, north of Indianapolis. Yes, that’s right: the great Kokomo Earthquake of 2010!http://earthquake.usgs.gov/ear…Y’know, God/Allah/Yahweh might have just been biding His time after your shameless provocation…More from CNN: http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/12/…
Luciano Dondero
December 30, 2010 at 5:21 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
I also would like to have four votes: Ali, Watson and two (others): McCreight and Hirschfield
Graham Martin-Royle
December 30, 2010 at 5:23 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Wot! No Paula Kirby. Shame on you all.
Ian
December 30, 2010 at 5:44 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Jen McCreight FTW
Dean Morrison
December 30, 2010 at 6:26 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Cristina Rad – or ZOMGitsCriss deserves an honourable mention:http://www.youtube.com/user/ZO…
Dean Morrison
December 30, 2010 at 6:28 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
- my bad :( – didn’t spot her on the list so she gets my vote :)
Yoav
December 30, 2010 at 7:20 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Why not learn from history and just add PZ to the poll?
TreenonPoet
December 30, 2010 at 7:57 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
My ‘other’ vote also goes to Paula Kirby for her wonderful writing skills.
Gus Snarp
December 30, 2010 at 9:14 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Jen McCreight
Leo Tarvi
December 30, 2010 at 9:28 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Other: Jen McCreightI had trouble weighing influence, so I just voted for the three who most influenced me, personally. Jen McCreight was easily top of that list.
Quiltrebel
December 30, 2010 at 10:24 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
I know there’s a lot of this, but I would have to say that you should be the winner of this poll. Boobquake rates right up there with Flying Spaghetti Monster in bringing a humorous twist of common sense to religious nonsense.
the_Siliconopolitan
December 31, 2010 at 12:34 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Paula Z. Mijnheers for ‘her’ repeated mocking and setting right of the Whatabouttehmenz brigade.If only ‘she’ would permaban anyone who whines about his missing foreskin. (This is where I start whining about my botched vasectomy.)
C Butler1990
December 31, 2010 at 5:31 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
I say you, Jen! Nothing got feminist skeptics rallied this year like Boobquake did!I realize you’re trying to be unbiased, but really, this is one year in which you are seriously in the running (which is NOT to say that you were not influential pre-Boobquake, nor that you will never top it. Just that it was a really impressive achievement for skepticism, especially with all the media attention it got.)Vote Jen!
Sue
December 31, 2010 at 8:50 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Other: Jen McCreight
BigEvil
December 31, 2010 at 6:27 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
I don’t think that Cristina Rad gets enough credit from atheists-at-large. She is not a blogger or author or scientist, but her and Thunderfoot are the major atheists players on youtube. Easy to dismiss her for being beautiful, sexy and provocative, but she carries alot of influence and her arguments are every bit as good as the other women on the list.
Wendy Hughes
December 31, 2010 at 8:34 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
All these women are amazing and wonderful skeptics, and have added a lot to my life and my idea of myself — but I will suggest another who has daily given a voice to women, and men, on an accessible and entertaining website, SheThought.com — I vote for Heidi Anderson. Heidi is a sensible and thoughtful person whose tenderness and braininess are evident in the authors who post on her blog, as well as in the range of topics, and in her own contributions. Thanks, Jen, for this survey!
JessieXL
December 31, 2010 at 10:46 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
My ‘other’ vote is for Jen.
Cath_of_Canberra
December 31, 2010 at 11:02 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
That boobquake chick.The Great Greta Christina for anything (flying carburetor?? OK!) And I have heard of some, but not all, of these others – so thanks for the tips. I do find it rather odd to see someone label Melissa McEwan as “contemptuous of everything” – she posts the daily cuteness and the teaspoons and Butch Pornstache, as well as the contempt-deserving and depressing reports from rape culture. I like how she’s so caring as to look out for her commenters’ feelings with the trigger warnings and the heavy moderation. A safe space is so hard to maintain.
Edmond
December 31, 2010 at 11:19 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
My “other” vote is for Tracie Harris.
Human Ape
December 31, 2010 at 11:24 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
I voted for other: Jen McCreight
Alenônimo
December 31, 2010 at 11:30 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Put Jennifer McCreight on the list and I’ll vote. :P
The Chimp's Raging Id
December 31, 2010 at 11:32 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Another Jen McCreight voter reporting for duty. Our blogmistress should get over her modesty and add herself to the list.
Yiggoto
December 31, 2010 at 11:45 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Angie Jackson
Syn
December 31, 2010 at 11:55 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
PZ Myers
Improbable Joe
January 1, 2011 at 12:01 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Based on this sort of poll/thread, and all the write-ins, it seems like the atheist blogosphere might lean slightly towards men, but the women more than hold their own. Maybe I’m just more aware than most, or I spend too much time online… but at least half the stuff in my RSS feed comes from women, atheist and otherwise. In the online world I’m living in, women are more influential than men.
Graydon
January 1, 2011 at 12:20 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Julia Gillard, Australian Priome Minister
Graydon
January 1, 2011 at 12:22 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Again, without the spelling mistakeJulia Gillard, Australian Prime Minister
Peter B.
January 1, 2011 at 12:30 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
My vote goes to my Mum. Thanks to her I had the rare opportunity to grow up in a rational-atheist household, and never had to deal with the profoundly abusive trauma of religious indoctrination or its dreadful aftermath. You’re awesome Mum – thanks for everything.
CaitlinMac
January 1, 2011 at 12:43 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Other: Melissa McEwan of Shakesville.
sooperj
January 1, 2011 at 12:52 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
I vote for Other and my vote is you, although was a little tempted to go for PZ…
Samantha Vimes
January 1, 2011 at 12:54 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Pam Spaulding shares the blog Pandagon with Amanda, also posts about Atheism, covers more about the harm religion does to black and gay communities, and has her own blog as well. I would suggest a co-nomination for them; as much as I love Amanda for the funny, Pandagon is a group blog.
Samantha Vimes
January 1, 2011 at 12:56 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
He’s got mighty slow reflexes. :)
Goodreasonnews Billy
January 1, 2011 at 1:00 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
um, I think it’s pretty clear that it’s you this year Jen.
WhatPaleBlueDot
January 1, 2011 at 1:02 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
I think that’s the sweetest thing ever. <3
Erik
January 1, 2011 at 1:19 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
From her far too long stint in Dutch politics and media, I can say that Ayaan Hirsi Ali is neither awesome nor influential, just merely seeking attention, and sadly getting it.Which doesn’t mean she should stay on your side of the pond. We already have enough “Look at me! Look at me! I’m saying something about Muslims and foreigners!” idiots as it is. And oddly enough they all came from the same political party as A.H.A. Funny that.
j-dog
January 1, 2011 at 1:27 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Angelina Jolie. Her father’s a total dufus, but Angie does good.
Dude070012
January 1, 2011 at 1:48 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Pz Meyers
Bailey
January 1, 2011 at 1:50 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Other = Jen McCreightYou’re just being modest.
Robert
January 1, 2011 at 1:58 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Auatralia’s first female Prime Minister and proud atheist Julia Gillard should be considered. No profile in the US but a woman who went on the media while the electioneering was underway this year to admit that she is not a beliver and while respecting a persons right to believe, she does not, and prefers to be honest in regards belief (or lack of it). Australian politics is not greatly influenced by religion, but it is a power that needs to be closely watched. The Federal education authorities are preparing a new (for the first time) national curriculum for high schools. They’ve copped some flack from the History sector by deleting all but two mentions of religion and christianity. This has resulted in a pile, small pile of poor persecuted christians crying foul. Imagine that, a generation of kids that are freed from the ball and chain that is religious belief.
facebook-1399562663
January 1, 2011 at 2:21 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Aw shucks, thanks. :) To be honest, I had no idea so many people would know about it. I just thought I was talking to my (at that time) 500 youtube subscribers, not the world.
Just Dave, FCD
January 1, 2011 at 2:46 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
PZ
mordacious1
January 1, 2011 at 2:47 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
I’m just thrilled that I know who all these people are…too difficult to choose.
woods
January 1, 2011 at 4:25 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Why no Julia Gillard? An atheist and a significant figure on the world stage.
Epi Nephron
January 1, 2011 at 4:30 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
I think it’s mandatory to write in to support PROFESSOR Paula Z. Myers, though Jen McCreight would have to be right up there with “her”.
koszmic
January 1, 2011 at 4:56 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Hi Jen,I voted for Ali and Marcotte, mostly based on name recognition. But I will say that Marcotte’s writings at Pandagon were very influential for me in my early blog-reading days, so she would get my number 1 vote, as a “lifetime achievement” award rather than any specific thing in 2010.
Celia Jane
January 1, 2011 at 5:04 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
What , no Julia Gillard (Prime Minister of Australia)?
Reeddlh
January 1, 2011 at 5:34 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Jen McCreight, who was so influential that she got me, my great niece, and two granddaughters all showing some cleavage on the chosen day.
AMPI
January 1, 2011 at 5:35 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Would have to be you, Jen!
Ubi Dubium
January 1, 2011 at 7:27 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Jen, I’m also picking you. For someone so young, you brought us a lot of positive attention this year. Boobquake was brilliant, and I can’t wait to see what you come up with next!
Erik
January 1, 2011 at 7:31 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Other -> PZ Myers
Grizzlybaker
January 1, 2011 at 7:55 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
International news = Boobquake.Hence, Jen McCreight.
Personal SinR
January 1, 2011 at 9:01 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Since this is a poll, I’m voting for PZ Myers
Jb
January 1, 2011 at 1:56 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
I’d vote for Julia Sweeney. Her play “Letting Go of God” was incredibly funny, personal, and moving. I highly recommend it (it’s now on video).
Atheistzombie
January 1, 2011 at 2:18 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Good list, but you forgot S. E. Cupp! Snicker, snicker.
Ikwilookeennaam
January 1, 2011 at 5:24 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Jen McCreightBOOBquake, no more needs to be said.
facebook-1399562663
January 1, 2011 at 6:05 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Yes my Christian sister even participated in Boobquake (because sometimes people miss the freaking point. Also she’s a huge nursing advocate so she loves boob-acceptance.)
The Great Attractor
January 1, 2011 at 7:06 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
I find it strange that Rebecca Watson always polls so strongly in these types of polls, even though to listen to her on SGU, the average listener would not even realise she is atheist.
Caennen
January 1, 2011 at 7:29 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Jen McCreight!! Put yourself on that list!
German
January 1, 2011 at 10:26 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Other > PZ Myers
Peter B.
January 1, 2011 at 11:23 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Sadly there has been no mention in these comments of our other currently serving woman atheist political leader, Anna Bligh, Premier of Queensland.Actually the Australian political landscape is and has been well endowed with women atheists, either currently serving or retired, e.g. – Nicola Roxon, Carmen Lawrence, and Lyn Allison to name a few. Also I have to wonder a little at some of the former high profile Australian Democrats – Cheryl Kernot, Natasha Stott Despoja, and Meg Lees.Robert quite rightly points out the obvious though, and that is politicians always need watching – whatever their beliefs. The front page of the Sydney Morning Herald (1-2 January) bears an article by David Marr (another Aussie godless), stating how Gillard has promised to increase funding for (Johnny Howard’s) the idiotic and highly criticised School Chaplaincy Program. Spare us!!
Peter B.
January 2, 2011 at 12:02 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Sorry, almost forgot Fiona Patten, leader of the Australian Sex Party.
No, I voted for Ashley.
January 2, 2011 at 1:49 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Other – Ashley Paramore, aka Healthy Addict.
Jude
January 2, 2011 at 4:37 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
It has to be other because I’ve heard of absolutely none of the women on your list.
Levi Tooker
January 2, 2011 at 5:05 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Other (PZ Myers)
heironymous
January 2, 2011 at 7:09 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Jen McCreight got my other vote.
CatzillaSue
January 2, 2011 at 9:25 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Annire Laurie Gaylor, because her lawsuit win against the National Day of Prayer angered more religious right nuts than any other atheist’s act, male or female.
CatzillaSue
January 2, 2011 at 9:26 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Sorry about the misspelling. Can’t get the edit function to work.
Fraser
January 4, 2011 at 12:35 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Don’t forget Polly Toynbee a the Guardian..
steelypip
January 4, 2011 at 1:43 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
I am putting in a vote for Ariane Sherine, who started the London Atheist Bus campaign. OK, the original campaign was in 2009, but the campaign is still going strong and it was the success of that campaign that prompted the explosion of atheist bus & billboard campaigns around the world. I think she has single-handedly done more to raise the public profile of atheism than anyone else in the last two years.
Tedthegreek75
January 4, 2011 at 3:32 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Ann Druyan
Gian
January 4, 2011 at 6:49 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
You are forgetting xxxThePeachxxx and healthyaddict
Billwalker666
January 4, 2011 at 7:00 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Wow ! so many I never even HEARD of ! I hereby elevate all of them to my pantheon of heroes. But Annie Laurie Gaylor was already there.
Kat
January 7, 2011 at 10:46 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Natalie Angier.
Skepcrit
January 19, 2011 at 11:53 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Why? She’s a twat.
oldebabe
May 23, 2011 at 6:54 PM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Jennifer Hecht. Come on, people .
Maria
May 24, 2011 at 9:08 AM (UTC -7) Link to this comment
PZ Myers