Why I'm vegan

Disclaimer: I have hesitated to publish this post. I do not want to put anyone on the defensive or come across as combative, but I do want to be honest and not tiptoes around my personal beliefs. Hopefully I struck the right tone here. And if you’re not interested, feel free to skip this post and come back for the next one.

It’s a question that usually comes up, and I understand why people are curious. Being vegan is a starkly alternative choice, especially in the Deep South. I try not to make a big fuss about the fact that I am vegan (I do not want to be the punch line of the joke: “How do you know someone is vegan? Don’t worry they’ll tell you.”). But being vegan is very important to me. I do not eat, wear, or buy animal products and do not knowingly make exceptions.

Texas made me do it

I have been vegan for 12 years. I am raising my children vegan. My reasons are not earthshatteringly different from other vegans’ reasons, but my journey may be somewhat unique. I grew up eating meat an…