“Rituals are in the roots of our humankind.” —  Iván Antezana

Adrián Núñez and Iván Antezana—leading organisers of the Peruvian Association of Atheists (APERAT)—reveal how their victory in the 2025 Humanist Accelerator Program is turning the dream of legally-recognised humanist ceremonies into a nationwide reality, challenging deep-rooted stigma and funding vital support for Peru’s growing secular community.

Topics we cover

 ✔︎ Founding APERAT and its legal battles for recognition
 ✔︎ Why “the atheist closet” remains so deep in Peru
 ✔︎ Lessons from the Humanist Ceremonies Accelerator
 ✔︎ Designing inclusive, inter-faith-friendly ceremonies
 ✔︎ Building a social enterprise to fund legal and social aid
 ✔︎ Partnering with wedding planners and funeral homes
 ✔︎ Strategies for nurturing a visible humanist community

The Peruvian Atheist Association (APERAT) continues to work toward a freer, more rational, and truly secular Peru. In a context of growing authoritarianism, censorship, and setbacks in fundamental rights, secular activism is more urgent than ever. APERAT invite individuals, collectives, and organizations who share these values to get in touch and, if possible, offer financial support to sustain public campaigns, events, and advocacy efforts in defence of freedom of conscience and the separation of church and state.

Connect with APERAT

• Website – aperat.org.pe
• Ceremonies – ceremoniaslaicas.lat
• Email – contacto@aperat.org.pe
• Adrián Núñez, Instagram – @sobranmagufos
• Iván Antezana Quiroz, Instagram – @iaq66

Episode References & Resources

📘Les Couleurs de l’Humanisme – Cloutier (2009) 

📺 Humanist Ceremonies Accelerator Finale – from Happy Human (Lithuania), Humanists International & Humanise Live

📺 What is a Humanist Ceremony?  –Stephen Fry & Humanists UK

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