American Atheists just announced that its 2014 conference — its 40th annual conference, taking place April 17-20 — would feature LGBT activist and NFL punter Chris Kluwe, Survivor: Philippines winner Denise Stapley, and Spin Doctors bass player Mark White (below, from left to right):

“We’re thrilled to bring so many great nontheists to our convention — some of whom have never addressed our movement before,” said American Atheists President David Silverman. “This is our 40th annual convention and it’s going to be stellar.”

The backdrop of the event may overshadow the speakers, given that it’s in Salt Lake City, Utah — American Atheists says they’re specifically targeting closeted, unbelieving Mormons:

“We want ex-Mormons to know that there is this entire community of people here for them,” said Public Relations Director Dave Muscato. “Often when people leave the Mormon church, they continue to base their identity in it because they don’t know any other community they can identify with. The 2014 American Atheists National Convention will be the place where ex-Mormons know that it’s okay to take that step and start saying, ‘I am an atheist.’”

Registration for the conference is now open.



