A recent post in the rad queer ladies’ blog Autostraddle named Queer Vegan Food a top queer food blog. (Hooray!) Since the post went up, I’ve gotten a bunch of new readers, many new blog views and comments on older posts. I mention these things because I’m really grateful that more LGBTQ people are checking out this blog. Not all of the food blogs mentioned in the Autostraddle post were vegan or vegetarian, and while I respect the diversity in our community on all levels, I do feel strongly that a compassionate diet deserves a place at the queer table, so to speak.
I created Queer Vegan Food because I wanted to contribute to broader discussions about the interconnections between oppression against LGBTQ folks and against non-human animals. I believe that people of all sexual orientations can benefit from a compassionate diet, and that there are particular overlaps between the marginalization of queer human animals and our non-human animals companions, and I wanted to use this blog to talk about and help each other understand them.
I’m glad that more queer ladies may find my blog thanks to Autostraddle. I hope that this will continue to be a blog where people of all orientations and genders feel welcome.
Since I created this blog, I’ve heard from numerous people on all ends of the sexuality/gender spectrums who feel similarly passionate about these connections. I’ve read many inspiring pieces online that inspire me to keep learning and sharing about this topic. Check out what some of our queer community bloggers are doing in the realm of vegan food, culture and activism:
- Our Hen House has a section called The Gay Animal which addresses queer-vegan interconnections.
- Ari Solomon and others participated in a Veg News discussion that is a great primer on many of these issues.
- My friend and former Vassar classmate Rachel Lee authors the hilarious and amazing blog Vegan Gluten Free Karaoke. Tegan and Sara karaoke and vegan food? Yes please!
- Courtney Pool, The Gay Vegans, Dr. Ethan the Vegan, and numerous other bloggers shed light on their experiences.
I appreciate that this blog can add to these discussions. I thank you for reading, and hope to keep sharing recipes and ideas that broaden the discourse on how we can nourish our communities and ourselves.
Thanks for the other links! I think it’s funny – there are probably way more queer vegan bloggers out there who just don’t make it a habit of making their sexuality as obvious. I guess it’s all about identity and presentation…
You’re right. I think visibility is really important, but ultimately the blog should focus on the readers and subjects covered in the blog. Since I blog about queer vegan topics, I am choosing to praise and highlight others who mention these subjects too. Other queer vegan bloggers who choose not to make their sexuality “obvious” as you say may be doing so simply because it isn’t relevant to the things they write about. Also, I don’t think you have to be a queer or vegan to write about queer vegan topics!
Nice blog 🙂
But I’m confused by the assertion that you don’t have to be vegan to write about vegan topics; I’ve never met a non-vegan who understands veganism, at least not as more than a food choice, which it most definitely is. Can you elaborate how that would work?
Thanks!
Oh, I get what you’re asking. You’re right, many non-vegans aren’t up on vegan issues, but that isn’t universally the case. Take for example Mark Bittman. He calls himself “vegan before 6p” and eats whatever else after then including meat and dairy. Obviously he’s not vegan, but he writes tons of articles that promote vegan foods, policies, and move the mainstream in the direction of a plant-based lifestyle. He’s got great ideas and has helped many people transition into a plant-sourced lifestyle. Overall I think that he’s a great vegan advocate even though he’s chosen not to be fully vegan himself. Does that clarify?
Great example with Dr. Bittman!
It is so wonderful to see more and more work being done on the queer and vegan connections! Inspired by all these people, especially YOU!
thanks, love. xo