A couple of days ago, I posted about how “Horus Gilgamesh,” the author of a book called the Awkward Moments (Not Found In Your Average) Children’s Bible documenting many of the Bible’s little-known verses, had received death threats in advance of his appearance at this weekend’s Atheist Alliance of America’s annual convention in Seattle.

The writer of the threats said he’d see Horus at the conference.

At the time Gilgamesh said he was still going to attend, and conference organizers told me they had taken safety precautions. However, yesterday, Gilgamesh changed his mind:

He notes that atheists like Richard Dawkins and Sam Harris often travel with a security detail due to death threats, but says, “I’m just not comfortable with the idea of a stranger putting themselves in harm’s way — all because of my lack of belief.”

Despite not being there, there’s a wonderful showing of solidarity at the conference this weekend. Many attendees are wearing nametags with “Horus Gilgamesh” on them, sending a Spartacus-like message to “God’s Little Helper.”

Gilgamesh writes:

When word got out this morning that I cancelled my public appearances in Seattle due to security concerns, conference speakers and attendees began sending photos of themselves sporting nametags that read, “Hello. My name is Horus Gilgamesh.” This left me not only speechless, but in tears. … … I don’t actually feel silenced, just annoyed by the timing and circumstances that forced me back-out of the event at the last moment, letting down all of the amazing organizers and supportive fans. Aside from skipping the convention, this situation has done nothing but further strengthen my resolve and I’m not going anywhere! With profound appreciation,

Hello. My name is Horus Gilgamesh

Beautiful.



