I was getting caught up on the news today when it hit me: the power of intersectionality. I often think that being vegan/plant-based is an advantage. My brain works better and being on a non-alkaline diet means I have a tendency to have less bone issues as I age. I am also much healthier than I was in my pre-vegan days (just three years ago).
In my case, being vegan/plant-based is an open secret. Going vegan/plant-based certainly saved my life, and I am not alone. My partner has gone vegan with me resulting in her being much healthier and the number of stories I’ve heard about people going to a plant-based diet and overcoming health issues are beyond many.
In doing research on trauma, I began to understand how the tendency toward obesity in lesbian and bisexual women makes perfect sense. We are women who don’t care about appearance–especially in regard to attracting the opposite sex. We are women who have learned to respond to inner beauty. The problem is that obesity leads to so many diseases. The problem is that we are dying.
The news of the day, the attacks on drag queens, trans people and LGBTQ rights, makes me furious. It also makes me feel determined. We are living through a very difficult period of history and it’s important to be as healthy as possible.
I was delighted to learn about vegan drag queens. It makes sense that marginalized people understand oppression. There is no denying that what is happening to the animals in unconscionable. What the Standard American Diet is doing to the human animals is unconscionable also.
This is the power of intersectionality. When we share our rage, it is contagious and powerful.
What is happening to drag queens and the trans- and the LGBTQ community is not separate from anything. It is just the beginning.
So, take a stand. Be vigilant and go vegan.
To read about vegan drag queens, click here.
For more information on my most recent novel Loving Artemis, an endearing tale of revolution, love, and marriage, click here:
Janet Mason, author 