Intersectional vegans, who often have experienced oppression themselves, are right to advocate for human rights. However, non-intersectional vegans raise a valid point: mainstream human rights activism frequently overlooks the plight of animals. It’s common to see trans rights activists eating bacon sandwiches, or those marching for Palestinian rights consuming McDonald’s. Gay rights activists sometimes mock vegans online, and at Black Lives Matter rallies, pigs’ heads are displayed while at UK Black Pride events, dead chickens are served—all while messages of love and anti-oppression are promoted. This level of hypocrisy within human rights activism is disturbing, and it’s crucial for animal rights activists to keep their focus on animals.
That said, non-intersectional vegans should approach these discussions with greater compassion and empathy. Dismissing or slandering intersectional vegans is counterproductive and can alienate potential allies in the human rights movement. We must recognize that animal rights are human rights, and speciesism is a root cause of all forms of oppression. However, it’s also essential to hold human rights activists accountable for their contradictions, as they often perpetuate violence themselves.
Challenging Misconceptions: Not All Non-Intersectionalists Are Racist or Homophobic
It’s important to dispel the misconception that all non-intersectional vegans are automatically racist, homophobic, or otherwise bigoted. While some critics of intersectionality may harbor regressive views, many non-intersectional vegans are genuinely motivated by a deep concern for animal welfare and believe that focusing solely on animals is the most effective way to achieve progress. Their reluctance to engage in human rights discourse does not necessarily stem from prejudice but rather from a desire to maintain a singular focus on animal rights.
Non-intersectional vegans may argue that broadening the scope of activism to include human rights dilutes the effectiveness of animal advocacy. They might feel that by emphasizing the interconnectedness of all forms of oppression, the movement risks sidelining animals, who are already marginalized and voiceless. These activists are not necessarily dismissing the importance of human rights; rather, they are prioritizing animal rights as their chosen area of focus.
However, it’s crucial for non-intersectional vegans to recognize that intersectional approaches can actually strengthen the overall movement by building broader coalitions and fostering a more inclusive activism. While it’s understandable that some may prefer a more singular focus, acknowledging the legitimacy of intersectional perspectives can lead to a more united and effective movement.
Not All Intersectional Vegans Are Human Supremacists
Conversely, it’s equally important to recognize that not all intersectional vegans are human supremacists or dismissive of animal suffering. Some non-intersectional activists accuse intersectional vegans of placing human concerns above those of animals, perpetuating a form of speciesism that prioritizes human rights over animal rights. This critique, while sometimes valid, can be an oversimplification.
Intersectional vegans often advocate for a holistic approach to activism, one that recognizes the interconnectedness of all forms of oppression, including speciesism, racism, sexism, homophobia, and others. They argue that by addressing these issues together, activists can better understand and dismantle the systems of power and domination that oppress both humans and non-human animals. For intersectional vegans, fighting for human rights is not about placing humans above animals but about challenging all forms of oppression simultaneously.
The tension between these two perspectives – non-intersectional and intersectional – reflects deeper philosophical differences about how best to achieve justice for all beings. However, it’s crucial for both sides to engage in these discussions with mutual respect and understanding. Instead of falling into the trap of divisiveness, activists should focus on their common goal: ending all forms of oppression and creating a more compassionate world.
Towards a More Inclusive and Effective Movement
The path forward for both intersectional and non-intersectional vegans lies in recognizing the value in each other’s approaches. While non-intersectional vegans play a critical role in keeping the focus on animals, intersectional vegans bring an important dimension to the movement by highlighting the interconnectedness of all struggles against oppression. By working together, these two groups can create a more inclusive and effective movement.
It’s essential for non-intersectional vegans to approach discussions about intersectionality with empathy, avoiding blanket dismissals of those who engage in human rights activism. Similarly, intersectional vegans should remain open to the concerns of non-intersectionalists, understanding that a singular focus on animal rights is not necessarily a rejection of intersectional principles but a different strategic approach.
Ultimately, both groups share a common cause: the fight against oppression in all its forms. By bridging the divide between them, activists can build a stronger, more united front that not only advocates for animals but also challenges all forms of injustice. In doing so, they can create a movement that is not only effective but also reflective of the compassion and empathy at the heart of both animal and human rights activism.