Raised in Algiers, Anissa Hélie has advanced degrees from France and the Netherlands and obtained her doctorate in the history of 19th -- 20th century French colonization. She served as the Coordinator of Women Living Under Muslim Laws’ London office from 2000 to 2005. She has held research and teaching positions at Amherst and surrounding colleges from 2005 to 2008. Anissa Hélie speaks internationally on issues of Islam, gender and sexuality, religious fundamentalisms, and wars and conflicts. Her publications include Holy Hatred – Penalties for Homosexuality in Muslim Countries and Communities (2000), and Documenting Women’s Rights Violations by Non-State Actors (2006). She is a board member of the Urgent Action Fund for Women’s Human Rights and Reproductive Health Matters Journal.