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An Unlikely Social Justice Warrior
An Unlikely Social Justice Warrior
Making My Life Count as a Muslim Feminist
Author(s): Ani Zonneveld

A fearless memoir of activism, music, and faith, Ani Zonneveld’s journey defies boundaries and inspires change.
Publication Date Available in all formats
ISBN: 9781917566995
Pages: 274
https://doi.org/10.62859/9781917566476

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About The Book

Table of Contents

About The Author

Related Content

Subject(s): activism, identity, social justice, patriarchy, Human Rights, Muslim feminism, LGBTQIA+ rights, Progressive Islam, Allyship, Cultural intersectionality

What happens when a Malaysian Muslim woman defies expectations and challenges patriarchy?

Ani Zonneveld shares her journey from Kuala Lumpur to rural Illinois, confronting invisible lines drawn by religion, gender, and race—all in pursuit of truth and justice.

From the music industry to global human rights forums, Ani uses her voice—literally and figuratively—to advocate for freedom of expression, women’s rights, and LGBTQIA+ inclusion within Islam. Whether navigating UN corridors or standing up to extremists, her story challenges dominant narratives and fosters radical empathy. Her memoir is a bold invitation to step out of tribalism and into allyship, using the intersections of feminism, faith, and the arts as tools for transformation.

Ideal for educators, students, and readers in activism, gender studies, LGBTQIA+ studies, Islamic studies, cultural anthropology, and human rights.

Ani Zonneveld is a Grammy-certified songwriter, activist, and founder of Muslims for Progressive Values. She champions women’s rights, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and freedom of expression through faith, music, and advocacy.

Ani Zonneveld was interviewed on the Thom Hartmann Program, talking about the intersection of faith and feminism. This episode first aired live on November 7, 2025.

About The Book
Subject(s): activism, identity, social justice, patriarchy, Human Rights, Muslim feminism, LGBTQIA+ rights, Progressive Islam, Allyship, Cultural intersectionality

What happens when a Malaysian Muslim woman defies expectations and challenges patriarchy?

Ani Zonneveld shares her journey from Kuala Lumpur to rural Illinois, confronting invisible lines drawn by religion, gender, and race—all in pursuit of truth and justice.

From the music industry to global human rights forums, Ani uses her voice—literally and figuratively—to advocate for freedom of expression, women’s rights, and LGBTQIA+ inclusion within Islam. Whether navigating UN corridors or standing up to extremists, her story challenges dominant narratives and fosters radical empathy. Her memoir is a bold invitation to step out of tribalism and into allyship, using the intersections of feminism, faith, and the arts as tools for transformation.

Ideal for educators, students, and readers in activism, gender studies, LGBTQIA+ studies, Islamic studies, cultural anthropology, and human rights.

Table of Contents
About The Author

Ani Zonneveld is a Grammy-certified songwriter, activist, and founder of Muslims for Progressive Values. She champions women’s rights, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and freedom of expression through faith, music, and advocacy.

Related Content

Ani Zonneveld was interviewed on the Thom Hartmann Program, talking about the intersection of faith and feminism. This episode first aired live on November 7, 2025.

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M
I loved this book! Ani Zonneveld is a national treasure: A progressive Muslim woman who embraces both her religious tradition as well as the humanistic tradition underlying social justice movements. She sees confluence, not conflict, between the teachings of Prophet Muhammed and the struggle for equal rights for women, racial and ethnic minorities and the LGBTQ+ communities. As such, she places herself in opposition to much of the organized Muslim religious world which she describes as conservative, misogynistic and homophobic. In stirring prose, the author traces her life from that of a privileged girl growing up in a family in which her father was a Malaysian diplomat stationed in numerous capitals throughout the world to attending a state university in Illinois and from there to Los Angeles where she became a songwriter and record producer. Abandoning the music industry 20 years ago, she followed her passion and calling and founded Muslims for Progressive Values, providing a home for co-religionists who, like her, embrace both Islam and equal justice values. Ms. Zonneveld is a voice to be reckoned with. Hear its passion and intelligence in this book.
—David Altschul
G

If you are struggling with identity, purpose, and the path forward – this book is for you. It’s a journey through the human experience and the societal expectations that keep us small. Ani’s voice is brave, powerful, and personal.

— Sarish Khan
S

Zonneveld's UNLIKELY WARRIOR is must reading for anyone who wants to know about American Islam. Ani is the leader of progressive Islam.

— Rabbi Burton Visotzky, Jewish Theological Seminary
K

Ani’s memoir is both a delightful and insightful read. Anyone who has had to struggle with, look anew, discard and then rebuild spiritual foundations within their religious heritage… will find her experiences to be enlightening and uplifting. I found her journey valuable… Because it reminded me of my own. Even though we come from different faith backgrounds, much of what she had to deconstruct in order to become a Muslim who also espouses progressive values… reminds me of the work that I had to do with them a different framework of Protestant Christianity. It was helpful to see the similarities in our processes yet from a different vantage.

Her memoir is engaging and fun to read. I think anyone who has or is struggling with their faith… because they find the struggle worthwhile… and come out with a healthier and more holistic way to live will find meaning in her words. I’m grateful she chose to tell her story.

— Kevin Heifner
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