Are You Tired of Trying to Change Others?

We all come into veganism through different paths – mostly ethics, health, or environmental concerns. However, once we become aware of the ethical imperative of veganism, our lives change. We see things we didn’t see before and the polarised position between veganism and carnism becomes stronger. As vegans, we have a dilemma. The more we…

Are You a Closet Vegan?

Are you comfortable telling everyone you’re vegan or do you hold back in certain circumstance because of real or feared ridicule, criticism or judgement? The problem would appear more common than many think. In this short article by Paula Otero, the issue is explored with encouragement of how to “come out” as a proud vegan…

Vystopia: Key to Creating a Kinder World?

Where were you when disaster struck in Haiti, the first tsunami in Indonesia or, more recently, catastrophic bushfires in Australia or the Queensland floods? We tend to remember these disasters and open our hearts and wallets to help people in need. Some of us go further, getting on planes to provide help. What makes a…

Does it matter if your therapist is vegan?

Clients see therapists for a wide range of issues including divorce, physical abuse, addictions and eating disorders.  They don’t necessarily need to have personally suffered from these challenges to help.  But what if you’re suffering from vystopia? Would you feel heard by a non-vegan therapist?  If your problems aren’t about vystopia, could you compartmentalise your…

Can you be a happy animal activist?

In 2018 I attended the 2018 Animal Rights Conference in Los Angeles. Over 1300 people attended and experienced a vast array of speakers, workshops, stalls, and live music. The event was well catered for, with vegans enjoying the luxury of not having to check every meal for ingredients. The premiere of the Australian documentary, Dominion,…

I lost friends when I became vegan – Now I’m a lot happier

Vegans vary enormously when it comes to maintaining relationships with non-vegan friends and intimate partners. Research into the key challenges facing vegans on this journey is explored under “What Used to Work doesn’t – Relationships with Non-Vegans” in Vystopia: The Anguish of Being Vegan in Non-Vegan World (Mann 2018). Vegan journalist Mitchell Jordan shares a…