This is a guest post by Rukia Brooks for SSA Week.

I did not have any intention of joining the Secular Student Alliance. I knew nothing about it, and I scoffed at the idea of secular activism. I didn’t really consider it to align with my progressive values, because I thought of secular activism as a means of looking down in a very condescending manner towards those who had the misfortune of being indoctrinated.

I came across the Secular Student Alliance while I was attending a meeting of progressive groups on campus while trying to be more involved with our Gay Student Alliance on campus. I didn’t have such a luxury at my High School, so it intrigued me as I was slowly coming out as a trans woman in my daily life. I felt it was a necessary resource to have, but sadly the Gay Student Alliance was not the most welcoming and seemed to ignore most of the needs of their trans student members. The hostess of the event was rather excited, and sported a t-shirt with the flying spaghetti monster on it. I shrugged, thinking nothing of it, but then she started talking to my roommate and me. Though she was a little loud, her excitement and joy were infectious. I really felt like she was probably the sweetest person ever, and soon introduced myself, albeit very nervously.

I started attending the Secular Student Alliance every Tuesday at seven PM, introducing myself as Zachary Bridges and feeling terrified of people. Everyone was really kind and a bit socially awkward. Kelley Freeman is an alumna of the University of South Carolina, and when I met her she was the president of the Secular Student Alliance. Kelley ran two major organizations at our school: Forward, the Progressive Student Alliance, and our Secular Student Alliance chapter. I came out to Kelley through Facebook because I felt at home with the Secular Student Alliance, even after such a short period of time. It wasn’t just a group of atheists talking about atheism, but a group of people who happened to be atheists talking about the world and how we can make it a better place. The SSA showed a love and understanding for humanity that truly inspired me to want to join the national organization and to start being more open about myself there.

It was through the Secular Student Alliance that I found a voice, had the chance to be myself, and found that a part of myself–my identity as an atheist, something I had kept secret due to fear of ridicule or bullying–could be used as a common ground to meet others who shared similar desires of a world free from ideology. It is through this organization that I have developed the majority of my friendships and found the courage to speak out as an atheist, a trans woman, a feminist, and other identities that I previously kept hidden about myself. I developed life-long friendships and learned how to discuss and engage in activism,, which I hadn’t realized I could do.

Being a part of the national organization has allowed me to engage in the national secular movement and in public speaking. The first opportunity I had to speak was through my own Secular Student Alliance chapter, where I spoke on trans identity and the Bible. I have since lead several talks on feminism,game development, secularism, and other topics. The Secular Student Alliance cares for students without trying to impose an ideology on them, but rather with a concern for their lives and values. I want to thank Lyz Liddell, Gordon Maples, Cara Zelaya, and Kelley Freeman for being absolutely amazing and wonderful.

I am telling you all of this because it is Secular Students Week, a time for us to highlight the amazing work students like me are able to do with the SSA’s help! In fact, if the SSA gets 500 donations now through June 17th, they will unlock a $20,000 challenge grant! A gift of $5, $10, or $20 will go a long way towards helping them reach this goal and empower secular students: give today!