The World Vegan Day, established in 1994 by The Vegan Society of the United Kingdom, commemorates the 50th anniversary of the creation of the term “vegan”.
But more than just a commemoration, this day has become a global invitation to reflect on our daily decisions and their impact on animals, people, and the planet.
Veganism: much more than a diet
Far from being a simple dietary choice, veganism is an ethical and political movement that questions the systems of oppression that sustain inequality. Speciesism—the belief that human life is more valuable than that of other animals—shares roots with racism, sexism, classism, and environmental extractivism.
“The struggles are connected, and only if we understand them together can we talk about true liberation,” says Jesica Bon Denis, founder of Animal Interseccional.
Intersectionality: justice for all sentient bodies
Historically, the struggles for women’s rights, racialized communities, the environment, and animals have been intertwined.
Intersectional veganism recognizes that there is no possible justice if it is not for all sentient beings, and that animal liberation is deeply linked to human liberation.
Latin America: community veganism in the face of structural inequality
In a region marked by social and environmental inequity, intersectional veganism proposes to look beyond the plate. It is a political and community practice, understanding that ethical eating cannot be a privilege.
Projects like Veganismo de Barrio aim to break the myth of elitist veganism, promoting:
- Popular fairs with accessible food
- Economic and nutritious recipe books
- Awareness campaigns in vulnerable territories
“A diet without animals can also be supportive, nutritious, and transformative,” highlight its promoters.
Ethics of consumption: every choice counts
This November 1st, World Vegan Day invites us to rethink how we inhabit the world. We are all animals, part of the same living fabric.
Every act of consumption, every conversation, every decision can be a step towards an ethic of compassion and coherence.
Beyond what we eat: questioning the exploitation model
Celebrating veganism is not just about excluding animal products, but about questioning a system that normalizes suffering and exploitation. It is recognizing that planetary health, social justice, and animal welfare are deeply connected.
Veganism, understood from an intersectional perspective, becomes a tool to imagine and build fairer worlds, where empathy, equity, and respect for life are guiding principles. This November 1st, the invitation is clear: rethink, feel, and act.
More information at: www.animalinterseccional.org
