Sometimes people ask why I talk about more than just food on this blog. Shouldn’t a vegan blog just be about plant-based eating, restaurant tips, and which vegan sausage roll is London’s finest?
For me, veganism has always been about more than what’s on the plate.
If we’re talking about justice for animals, how can we ignore justice for people? If we’re pushing back against systems that profit from suffering, how can we turn a blind eye when those systems hurt our fellow humans?
That’s why I believe vegan activists should care about trans rights.
Read more below.
At the heart of veganism is a very simple idea.
We want to cause less harm. We want to live with kindness, with compassion, with a desire to make the world a better place for animals. That doesn’t need to stop at the farm gate. That same desire to reduce suffering can also extend to the people around us, including trans people.
Now I know that not everyone is comfortable talking about gender and associated topics. It can feel unfamiliar or complicated. But think about it like this. We’re part of a movement that already asks people to question the way things have always been done. Eating and wearing animals was normal, but we questioned it. We challenged it. We saw that what’s always been done isn’t always what’s right.
It’s not a massive leap to take that same mindset and use it to think about standing up for trans people. People should be free to be themselves, to live a life free of oppression and pain. Trans people, like all people, deserve respect, dignity, and safety.
And the truth is, trans people are already a big part of the vegan community. They are chefs, campaigners, creators, and consumers. They’re sitting at the same table, sharing the same meals, fighting for a kinder world. Supporting trans people is not a distraction from veganism, if that is a worry for you. It’s part of it.
It’s powerful to understand that injustices are connected. The same systems that exploit animals also harm people who don’t conform to societal norms. Trans people often face poverty, discrimination, and limited access to safe housing, healthcare, and nourishing food. These struggles are even greater for those who are also Black or Brown, disabled, working class, or living without a wage.
Standing up for trans people and fighting against these oppressive forces is part of creating a more just and compassionate world for everyone.
There is power in solidarity. Movements grow stronger when we support one another. You might not know everything about being trans, but you don’t have to in order to care. You can learn. You can listen. You can challenge transphobia when you see it. You can show up, just like you hope people will show up for animals.
This is not about being perfect. None of us are. It’s about trying our best to live in a way that matches our values. If you care about justice, if you care about kindness, if you care about creating a better world, then caring about trans people makes sense. Full stop.
So next time you’re enjoying your vegan cake, or marching around town in your pleather boots, spare a thought for who is standing next to you. Think about the kind of community you want to build. One that includes everyone. One that uplifts everyone.
Because the future we are working towards has room for all of us. No one left behind. Not animals, and not people either.
You can order my book ‘Fat Gay Vegan: Eat, Drink and Live Like You Give a Sh!t’ online now. It has been out a while now but is still a good read. You can also listen to the Audiobook read by me!
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