Name: Jonathan Rosenberry
Age: 27
Occupation: Freelance videographer

How long have you been vegan? I’ve been vegan for 1 year and 1 month.

Jon, finishing his first ultra marathon (50-mile run)

Why did you choose to be vegan?
I chose to be vegan when I learned that it was the best thing to do for my health, the animals and this planet. I just see it as a win-win-win situation. I’m nervous about what will happen to our planet in 20 years if the majority of society does not adopt a vegan or vegetarian diet. Therefore, I want to spread the message by leading as an example.

Biggest challenge:
The biggest challenge for me was facing belief differences with my family and friends and in social gatherings. But once I overcame that fear, I realized I could embrace those moments of discomfort to spread awareness to others. Someone always asks, “so why don’t you eat meat?” And I can’t wait for that question because it’s such a good conversation starter and a great way to casually inform others about the issues of factory farming and what challenges our planet faces in years to come. My second favorite question is “so where do you get your protein from?” I get so much joy from this question and love educating people about the nutritional value of a vegan diet.

Best reward:
The biggest reward is to see those around me become influenced by my diet and beliefs. For example, after educating my dad more about the health benefits of veganism and having him watch Forks Over Knives, I got a text from him saying he had just thrown away all the dairy in the fridge and was going to try being vegan. He used to eat chicken, fish and dairy products, so to hear him say that made me so happy. And he’s been mostly vegan for several months now. Even just hearing from an omnivorous family or friend that they ate a vegan meal or made a vegan dinner is really exciting to me.

Are you involved in AR, vegan outreach, etc.?
I’ve been a little hesitant to go full force into animal rights participation and vegan outreach because I was nervous about being confrontational, but I have taken baby steps into activism and leafleting and I do it in my own style and it feels really good be a part of it. Now I volunteer about once a week and have been on a leafleting tour through Vancouver, Canada with The Humane League.

Advice for new vegans:
There is so much advice I would like to share with new vegans or those thinking about becoming vegan. I jumped from being a pescetarian to being a vegan overnight which worked for me, but it may not be for everyone. I have found that if I give myself a rule or deadline to do something then I will actually do it. I made a rule that on my birthday, I would become vegan for one year, then after that one year I could change back if I felt it wasn’t right for me. But once I made the jump I never looked back, and now over one year later, I plan on staying vegan for the rest of my life. I like to think that not everyone needs to be a militant vegan if they’re afraid about the switch, just do what you can and do what you feel is right. I highly recommend getting a Vitamix or a decent blender, because making smoothies is so fun, easy and delicious! Just make sure to include a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds in your diet.

Parting words:
Being vegan has been the best and most life changing decision I’ve ever made. It has positively affected my relationships, athletic abilities, achievements, and now I have a better outlook on life.

Keep up with Jonathan and check out his:

facebook page
instagram
cinematography portfolio

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It’s time for another vegan profile! Vegans come from all walks of life and I’m using this blog to introduce you to vegans who might be very different than–or a lot like–you. Today, I’d like you to meet Michael, who has excellent tips for living vegan:

Pleased to meet you. I’m Michael and 40, but you know they say 40 is the new 22. My achey
breaky back might disagree. I have been kicking around this vegan thing for about two and a half
decades now. I could brag and say I have been vegan longer than I have not been vegan, but remember
this is not a beauty pageant or student election. Vegans don’t bother getting burdened with seniority or
street cred. Every minute, every day, every week, and every month you spend vegan you are changing
the world.

Don’t ever expect to live perfectly vegan. Mistakes will happen. You could misread a label, you might
assume a product vegan when it contains a vague dairy ingredient, maybe you eat a handful of
chicken in a biscuit crackers, or get sick and need a vaccination. Get a few cookbooks and the oops
incidents will decline.

Activism is not for all vegans. It does not negate all the good you have done by not eating animals if you decide to be more reserved. The best part is you can always change your mind later. The animals are not counting vegan points. The ultimate goal is to help animals and it takes all kinds of people with differing levels of interest and participation to make this work.

It would be a mistake to make vegan political. If you do you will lose. Politics in America is like global
thermal nuclear war. There are no winners. Don’t force it on the people around you. Believe me–curiosity will bring them to you. Be prepared to answer questions, keep cool, and offer to share your snacks.

It’s going to happen. Some fool will get his hose in knot and make some crack. Don’t be baited. Use this
phrase: “I used to (feel, think, want) the same thing. I grew up with a fishing rod in my hand, (or your
own anecdote) but then I found out about the way animals are treated in the (circus, factory farms,
rodeo, testing, etc.). It’s funny how when you talk to people like people you get stuff done.

Thank you Michael for such sound advice!

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Name: Amy Webster
Age: 42
Occupation: Community Education Coordinator

How long have you been vegan? April of this year was 10 years!

At Pigs Peace, Stanwood, WA (2012)

Why did you choose to be vegan?
My compassion for animals started early but I attribute my determination to speak up on their behalf to the tragic story about my first dog companion. When I was a kid my family had a dog named Jeffy who was not allowed in the house. Jeffy was chained in our backyard 24/7 and I don’t remember Jeffy ever being off that chain. After Jeffy bit a neighbor kid so badly he was sent to the hospital for multiple wounds, Jeffy was taken by animal control and euthanized. I remember that day clearly, as the attack happened during my younger brother’s birthday party while we all watched in horror. Naive to the true cause behind the chained dog’s aggression, I blamed the injured kid for being the reason my dog was taken. Thankfully my family has evolved and we are all compassionate dog guardians today, but Jeffy has always stayed with me. I don’t have any photos of Jeffy or fun memories with him at the park. He never got to snuggle with us under the covers on stormy nights or play fetch on sunny days. He deserved so much better and I think I knew that even as a kid. I believe that’s where my drive to help animals started, with sweet Jeffy.

From there I grew as an animal advocate, always the girl who loved animals. I became a vegetarian when I was 19 on a challenge to try it for a week (and never looked back!). While my veganism is the accomplishment I’m most proud of, I’m embarrassed to admit that it took me 13 years as a vegetarian before finally going vegan. I knew in my heart it was the right thing to do, but it took working for PETA and seeing what happens to cows for our dairy products, to open my eyes.

As my bond with animals continued to strengthen, my voice defending them became louder.

At Farm Sanctuary, Watkins Glen, NY (2009)

Biggest challenge:
When I first went vegan, like many others, my biggest challenge was giving up cheese. Now that I haven’t had animal cheese for over 10 years it seems strange to think that I ever craved it so badly. Cheese is addictive and so prevalent in our society that as an American Vegetarian my diet was 90% cheese.

These days, as an experienced and confident vegan, my biggest challenge is dealing with others around me. The food part is easy. So is avoiding animal products and entertainment. Being vegan is as much a part of my life as having two hands is. But—handling the misguided masses whose reactions range from curious questions to disrespectful teasing and ignorant confrontations is exhausting and at times disheartening. As much as we’d like to, most vegans don’t live in a bubble or in a commune filled with kind, like-minded peace promoters. Even in Seattle—one of the most progressive cities in America—we are painfully reminded of animal cruelty by way of unapologetic associates eating animal flesh at our table, leather shoes worn by otherwise compassionate friends, the baffling celebration of animals imprisoned in zoos, cheap hamburger ads (seemingly everywhere!), and predictable wild-animal-killed-by-authorities-after-hiker/boater/camper/surfer-strays-too-close-and-is-bitten news. It’s a lot to handle when your eyes are open to the suffering.

Best reward:
So glad you asked, it was getting a bit grim there. There are many rewards for being vegan! For me, the biggest reward comes from within. At the end of the day, I know I am making a difference for animals. Just in eating exclusively vegan I spare about 200 animals a year from unimaginable pain and suffering. Additionally, my ethically-minded consumerism spares countless animals from misery in testing laboratories, performance training, egg production, slaughterhouses, puppy mills, dairy factories, and skin and fur production. That feels really good. Knowing that makes me happy, fills my spirit, and drives me.

Being vegan has also led me to try many delicious diverse and ethnically varied foods. As a kid my blue-collar-Midwest upbringing kept my plate limited to a pretty dull repetition of the same gravy-covered, nutrient-deficient meals. As a vegan, I am continuously trying new flavors and expanding my favorite dishes. I’ve become a creative cook, and not just because I need food to survive, but because I get real joy from crafting new cuisines with a growing assortment of fresh ingredients and spices. I love to eat (a little too much sometimes) and have fun trying new things (but still hate cooked carrots).

Oh and I can’t forget the cancer. When I was diagnosed a year and a half ago with stage 3 breast cancer, I was told by two different doctors that if it weren’t for my vegan diet, my cancer would have been worse. You can read my blog (www.rainydayvegan.com) to follow my progression through cancer treatment as a vegan.

Are you involved in AR, vegan outreach, etc.?
Yes, I’ve been active in helping animals in many capacities for more than 20 years. I remember attending my first animal rights meeting in Toledo, Ohio. When I left, I felt exhilarated and inspired! Even though we were a small group, it was somewhat of a spiritual experience to talk openly with others who saw what our society does to animals and agreed that not only is it not okay and worked tirelessly to stop it. From then on, I’ve been an active advocate of animals by bringing awareness of their suffering to others any way I can. Animal activism is my primary hobby and my proudest attribute.

In my tenure as an activist I’ve worked in several animal-saving jobs and volunteered with many animal-helping organizations—wildlife rehabilitation centers, veterinary clinics, PETA, ASPCA, vegan advocacy groups, and animal shelters. I’ve attended thousands (give or take) of protests and have been arrested twice for civil disobedience, chaining myself to others in remonstration of the fur industry and sales.

Protesting fur sales at Nieman Marcus in Toledo, OH (1999)

Today my voice is also heard through my work with a local animal welfare organization that annually helps thousands of dogs, cats, and wildlife in the Pacific Northwest through foster care, sheltering, spay/neuter, adoption, community education (my job!), and rehabilitation.

Working for PETA’s community animal project (2011)

I continually strive to do more for animals. When it seems overwhelming, I’m fortunate enough to be surrounded by an amazing community of vegan activists who get it. My closest friends are those fighting along next to me one day, and commiserating with me over vegan mac and cheese the next. I gain strength from my fellow activist comrades and couldn’t do what I do without them.

At a Fur-Free Friday demo with Jes Cochran, Franziska and Claudine (2012)

Advice for new vegans:
Remember that you are the only person that decides what you eat, wear, allow, and spend money on. It may seem daunting to remember to read labels and ask about ingredients. You’ll make mistakes, we all have. But embracing a vegan lifestyle is the most satisfying and important decision you’ll make. Every bite you take, shoe you wear, pillow you sleep on, and performance you attend that doesn’t support animal suffering, is an exercise in your strength. You are going to love being vegan!

Parting words:
The planet is suffering and she needs us all to help. With each choice we make, we all hold the power to make the world better. This may sound cliché (we’re all friends here, right?), but, go vegan!

~

Thanks for the touching stories and motivating ideas, Amy, and for all you do for the animals!

To contribute to this feature, check out the profile intro page and drop me a line.

Name: Fernando Cuenca
Age: 35
Occupation: Engineer

How long have you been vegan? Around 14 years

Why did you choose to be vegan?

To me veganism is the extension of the struggle for justice to non-human animals. For the vast majority of people the need (not desire) to consume animal products is non-existent. That unnecessary killing is unjust. I was first introduced to the concept of veganism through a hardcore band called Earth Crisis, but never considered a viable choice until I started attending anti-bullfighting protests in my hometown. Once I had that aha moment, I never went back.

Biggest challenge:

Two things. First, eggs. Not actually craving eggs, but the fact that they are in so many things that you really need to be careful to avoid them. Second, going vegan in two different languages. When I first went vegan I was back in Colombia, where I am from, and had to learn a lot of new terms regarding animal ingredients. When I moved to the US it was almost like going vegan again. It was a lot of new words that didn’t tell me anything about their origin (whey for example, which in Spanish is proteína de leche – protein from milk). I had to spend long hours at the supermarket reading labels with the help of an animal ingredients list.

Best reward:

My family and friends. My wife is also vegan (we are a Veggiedate success story) and we have a 4-year-old son that has been vegan since birth. I also have friends who in the beginning didn’t understand why I chose this lifestyle and when they expressed interest I gave them information that made them go vegan themselves. They have gone on to be outspoken about animal rights, start their own vegan families and raise vegan children. It gives me a lot of satisfaction to know that our impact will spread beyond our own lifespans.

Are you involved in animal rights, vegan outreach, or other types of activism or education?

In Colombia I used to run a vegan outreach group with some of my friends called Verdadera Compasión (True Compassion). Since moving to the US I have done volunteer work for PETA, also been involved in Farm Sanctuary’s Walk for Farm Animals (first in New York City, now in Seattle). I currently volunteer for NARN and with my wife we run a Meetup group called Seattle Area Vegan and Vegetarian Families.

Advice for new vegans:

Don’t let it overwhelm you. I think that in every vegan journey there’s a point in which you see that animal exploitation and abuse is pretty widespread. At that point it is very easy to get depressed, to feel that your efforts are worthless, not making any difference. But push through it, see the positive in what you do. Enjoy the fact that you can look at an animal in peace, visit a sanctuary if you can (there are quite a few around Seattle). Tell someone or get involved, it may change their lives and the lives of countless animals forever.

Parting words:

If you are vegan, the animals thank you! If you are not, please consider it, it will be one of the most impactful decisions you will ever make.

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Thanks Fernando–for agreeing to the interview and for all you do for the animals!

To contribute to this feature, check out the profile intro page and drop me a line.