During Pride month, when the LGBTQIA2S+ community celebrates visibility, love and identity, VegClub would like to honour some LGBTQIA2S+ figures and celebrities who also support a vegan lifestyle. While acceptance of the LGBTQIA2S+ community is growing, especially in more Westernised countries, the fight for equality and rights continues worldwide. Despite progress, many still face significant challenges, highlighting the ongoing need for advocacy and support.
 

Both freedom of identity and sexuality, as well as veganism share common values of self-love, mutual respect, living in harmony without causing harm. These principles thrive in a society enriched by cultural, identity and lifestyle diversity. At VegClub, we deeply support this unity rooted in love.

Thanks to many influential voices in the media and through their personal platforms, individuals can openly express their identities and lifestyles, contributing to a more normalised and accepted environment. In recognition of this progress, we want to pay tribute to individuals who inspire us and proudly represent both veganism and the LGBTQIA2S+ community:

Elliot Page
 

Known for his roles in ‘The Umbrella Academy’, ‘Inception’ and ‘Juno’, Elliot Page is one of the most beloved figures in the film industry. His memoir, ‘Pageboy’, shares his experiences as a trans man in the entertainment world.
 

Elliot has been vegan for over a decade, though he doesn’t often discuss it publicly. According to Vegan Food & Living, he has spoken out against the injustices facing farmed animals. In 2011, he tweeted to his nearly two million followers, questioning why people make fun of vegans.

Billie Eilish

Self-identified as queer last year, the 22-year-old Californian singer Billie Eilish has been an animal rights advocate since she was very young. In a 2022 post, she shared, “I was raised vegetarian, and I chose to stop eating all animal products when I was twelve”.

Billie frequently shares plant-based foods on her social media platforms and speaks about the importance of animal rights and the environment. With 112 million followers at the time of writing, Eilish's advocacy reaches a huge audience.

Regarding her sexuality, Eilish discussed it in a recent interview with Rolling Stone, as reported by Vogue, saying she has been "in love with girls all my life". This message is reflected through the lyrics of her song ‘Lunch’—“I could eat that girl for lunch. Yeah, she dances on my tongue. Tastes like she might be the one…It’s a craving, not a crush”. The singer confessed to Rolling Stone that writing the song was “actually part of what helped me become who I am, to be real”.

Sean O’Callaghan—Fat Gay Vegan

London-based blogger Sean O’Callaghan is a prominent figure in the UK’s vegan community. Author of the book ‘Fat Gay Vegan: How to Eat, Drink, and Live Without Being a Dick’, Sean promotes plant-based living through his blog and social media, and he also hosts his own events.
 

Sean acknowledges that “the biggest challenge is resisting oppressive forces such as racism, sexism, homophobia, ableism and wealth disparity which are (not incidentally) powered by the same forces of capitalism and colonialism that also power mass exploitation of non-human animals”.

In an interview with LiveKindly, Sean explained, “We live in a non-vegan world, which can at times be tough. But you will have a much calmer time if you have a deep understanding of why you believe it is a more compassionate choice”.

SIA

Jason Merritt

The Australian singer-songwriter Sia has frequently declared her staunch defense of animals. Ten years ago, she embraced veganism after realising that chickens and cows could feel, love and empathise just like her dog.
 

The singer, whose songs have topped the US Billboard charts, has been involved in numerous campaigns, including protests against pet breeding. She wrote the song ‘Free The Animal’ and promotes cruelty-free fashion. In 2018, she narrated the animal rights documentary ‘Dominion’ alongside Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara. Sia has also advocated for investing in cellular meat technologies to reduce harm to animals and the environment.

Read more ‘I Could Never Go Vegan’: Debunking misconceptions around plant-based living

Regarding her sexuality, Sia came out as part of the LGBTQIA2S+ community in 2013 via Twitter, saying “I’m queer. I don’t identify as a lesbian because I’ve dated men predominantly. But I’ve certainly dated women”.

Bimini Bon Boulash

Bimini Bon Boulash (Thomas Hibbitts off-stage) is a British model and drag queen who has been proudly vegan since 2014, dubbing themselves “East London’s plant-based princess.” According to Viva, “Bimini uses their Instagram account to promote veganism, trans rights and other social issues” and has been named Veganuary Ambassador for the 2024 campaign. Reflecting on this decision, Bimini says on Veganuary:

“Babes! You know what’s chic right now? Being vegan for January! Kindness is in, compassion is sexy and being healthy makes you a hottie. Serve it up for the animals, the planet and our fabulous selves. If you’ve ever thought about living it up plant-based, Veganuary is your chance to show the world!“

In a 2021 interview, Bimini shared, “I have a degree in journalism, and I have done a lot of social activism, which is something I’d like to pursue further. I invented veganism about seven years ago…haha! No, I’ve been vegan for about seven years. I love yoga, and I’ve never been healthier”.
 

Hope and positive impact

Thanks to influential figures like the celebrities mentioned in this article, society can see veganism as a joyful and accessible lifestyle that causes no harm and has a positive impact on the planet, animals and society at large. As members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, these figures amplify the voices of those advocating for their rights and promote empathy across humanity. Both movements are intertwined and should be encouraged, as they are founded on principles of respect and love without boundaries imposed by historical systems. We stand here united and resolute.

If you enjoy our articles and want to read more of our content, check out the top 7 vegan restaurants in Germany for you to try this summer. Perhaps take a look at 5 eco-friendly umbrellas for sustainability and style. Or explore Vienna named world’s most liveable city in 2024, for the third consecutive time.