Member Statements

“The best part of SDS is everyone accepts everyone (and their partners) in this group, no questions asked, which really allows you to learn more about how you want to be seen, and provides a place for you to feel safe doing so. It is also a great community for getting yourself out of the house when you know you really should try to be social, but on your own terms. The events planned monthly helped me find people who have the same interests as I do and embrace my weird—with friends!”

—Midnight Muffin

“I can't even begin to express how this group has changed my life. From curiously dipping my toes into an event or two to discovering a family who has been there with me through celebrations and grief, this is what community is all about. The fact that we get to also contribute in tangible ways with community service and social justice activism is the big, beautiful cherry on top. I love the San Diego Satanists, and after years of showing up time and time again, I know it's mutual.”

—Wednesday

“After realizing in 2019 that I had been a de facto Satanist for most of my life, I knew I needed to find my people and was so pleased to realize that a community already existed in San Diego. Joining this congregation has, in fact, changed my life for the better, and I don’t know where I’d be without them! I love the effort we put into our beautiful city and the safe space we create for those who need it. I’m proud of all that we’ve accomplished over the years and can’t wait to see what we achieve next! Hail Satan, Hail Thyself!”

—The One with the Shovel

“I think I had always been looking to be part of some kind of community that had a common connection. Something of humans being good humans, but maybe with some more ceremony and a like-minded mission statement. I really didn't know what Satanism meant until I joined SDS, but I knew there was something about it I needed to find out. It really is a community, one with empathy for each other and the love of diversity, and most of all service, to each other and our local communities, while still being fun. SDS has really become a second family for me. There are so many ways to participate, and I have felt so accepted here.”

—Marquis Kimaris

“If I have to write about the San Diego Satanists, I would, above all, mention how awesome they are. They didn't know that their incredible openness and acceptance of some girl who was chained up inside a man would save someone. The San Diego Satanists saved my life. It's who they are, at their core. I thought that I was incapable of finding a group that would accept me, let alone encourage me to find who I am deep within, but I did. I found it in these remarkable, variegated, and deliciously sacrilegious people.”

—Miss C.

“What brought me to Satanism beyond mere atheism was realizing how much the symbolism of Satanism spoke to some of my most core values. Atheism is the rejection of superstition and the magical ways of thinking that have done and continue to do so much harm to humanity, but Satanism adds the symbolism of Lucifer as a rebel against tyranny, and the snake in the garden as the choice of knowledge over ignorance. Both of those symbols are also evocative of a conscious choice towards action, despite the threat of punishment and loss if one dares to think and act. I am deeply moved by the power of a symbol that inspires me to examine everything I’ve been told, and to do what I believe is right, not because it’s easy, and not because I will be rewarded if I do or punished if I don’t, but *despite* the fact that it is hard, and *despite* the promises and threats from powers that be. Being a part of the San Diego Satanists has brought me the community benefits of Satanism as a religion: a group of people who feel similarly, and who are inspired by the same symbols; holidays that bring those people together to examine and reinforce shared values; regular opportunities to come together and do community service for San Diego as a whole; and much more. I love being a part of San Diego Satanists.”

—V

“I grew up in an extremely religious environment; joining San Diego Satanists was a way for me to liberate myself from a lifetime of Christian indoctrination. I wasn’t sure what I expected to find; what I discovered was a community of the kindest and most caring people I’ve ever met. In my somewhat short time as a member, I’ve met people I’m sure will be lifelong friends and have shared some of the best experiences of my life with them. My fellow Satanists have supported me through difficult times and helped me to grow into someone I feel comfortable being. Hail San Diego Satanists!”

—Damian Blackstar

“There wasn't a community in my life galvanized around pushing back on organizations threatening me and my family. I'd been a closet atheist for decades, and the overturning of Roe and having a trans son made me realize I needed to find people who understood the stakes in pushing back against the evil that religious indoctrinators perpetrate in schools, legal systems, and morality. Satan was right to confront the demands of a cruel god. There is no need to hide any aspect of myself and my convictions for advancing a truly secular and just society amongst Satanists. I enjoy the act of gathering to reaffirm Satanic values of service to community—not prayers, exploring the wonders of the natural world, and the fellowship of Satanists looking to carve their own identities and celebrate our perfectly flawed humanity. Hail yourself! Hail Satan!”

—Satanonymous

“This is a group of caring folks, committed to making actual change in our community and country. I came to Satanism because I always knew religion wasn’t for me, but I wanted to find a like-minded group of folks where I felt like I fit. SDS has welcomed me and my children with open arms, met us where we’re at, and has always been a safe and supportive space to be ourselves, ask questions, and grow as people. I really value the education offered, social activities planned, and the community provided. I’ve yet to find a part of SDS that doesn’t work well. Everyone is committed to giving as much as they can, doing their best, and growing the community as a whole.”

—Satanonymous