Happy World Vegan Day

A celebration of compassion.

Happy World Vegan Day to everyone reading this.

To those who have been vegan for decades, weathered and wise after many years of hearing “but bacon”.

To those who just turned vegan a few weeks ago, wide-eyed and curious, with no idea what the heck seitan is.

To those trying a vegan challenge this November. Spoiler: it’s not as challenging as it sounds.

To those doing Meatless Mondays. We appreciate you guys.

To those reading labels in the supermarket.

To those who can’t sleep after having watched Dominion or Earthlings.

To those organising protests.

To those attending protests, a bit nervous but determined.

To those having conversations with strangers. Even if not all your conversations are as perfect as this.

To those whose preferred form of activism is making vegan cupcakes for the office potluck.

To those who know that we ALL feel love, fear, joy, and pain

To those who veganised their partners.

To those those still working on veganising their partners.

To those whose partner is nagging them to go vegan and who, deep inside, suspect they might be right.

To those who just tried a vegan burger for the first time and can’t believe how delicious it was.

To those ashamed of still owning leather boots.

To those just learning to cook tofu.

To those taking insects outside instead of killing them.

To those whose friends come to them for advice on cruelty-free beauty brands.

To those still on the lookout for the perfect vegan cheese.

To those who look their dog or cat in the eye and know that when it comes to the things that matter, we are all the same.

To those who always make an effort to cook something nice when their vegan friend or family member comes over.

To those who never say “plants have feelings.”

To those who left that wool jumper on the rack and have no regrets.

To those who know Earthling Ed’s latest book pretty much by heart by now.

To those dreading Christmas already because of the debate over the festive table.

To those refusing to come to the zoo for a family outing.

To those sending links to their friends with a message saying, “I saw this really nice vegan restaurant and thought of you”.

To those who unashamedly love Brussels sprouts.

To anyone who’s ever deleted an anti-vegan troll comment from their post about their lovely birthday dinner.

To anyone who has ever pet a cow.

Happy World Vegan Day to you, whether you’re vegan, veggie, or simply trying to eat less meat. Happy World Vegan Day to anyone who looks after their vegan friends, family members or loved ones and never makes us feel like a burden or excluded (we love you). Happy World Vegan Day to you whether you’ve been on this path for years, or you’re just getting started. Happy World Vegan Day to all those who choose compassion.

Photo by David Cam