Being Vocal About Veganism: With Animal Liberation Activist Seb Alex

1. Name?

Seb Alex

2. Where are you from? Where do you live now?

Born and raised in Lebanon, I’m currently based in Indonesia but spend a fair time in different European countries while doing activism to raise awareness about speciesism and animal liberation.

3. Profession?

Animal liberation activist

4. Tell us a bit about yourself.

I was born and raised in Lebanon and ate animals for most of my life, loved barbecues, and even went hunting. When I was 16 years old, the love I had for the cat who lived with us made me question why I claim to love animals while I kill and eat them. After a talk with a friend, I became vegetarian, thinking it was the right choice. After 8 long years of vegetarianism, I learned about veganism and about the unnecessary suffering we cause on all animals (yes, even as a vegetarian). I could not act like I didn’t know the truth, I had no other choice but to go vegan. That was also the same year I got my master’s in Environmental Architecture and Ecological Design. A year after working as an international projects coordinator in an architecture and engineering company, I decided to quit my career and dedicate all my time to other animals’ plight, trying my best to raise awareness about speciesism, the immense suffering we cause on other animals and the simple solution that helps us align our actions with our morals: Veganism. Since then, I’ve had the chance to give 100+ workshops about animal rights activism in several countries and lectures about veganism & sustainability to 2500+ students in schools and universities around Europe.

5. When did you decide to become a vegan and what inspired you to do so?

As mentioned, 8 years after being vegetarian, I went vegan. The story itself is a bit funny. While I was at home all by myself, I randomly thought about why we as adult humans drink the breastmilk of cows, a milk that is obviously produced for calves. I quickly searched this question on google and stumbled upon 2 youtube videos: ‘’101 reasons to go vegan’’ and ‘’the most important speech you will ever hear’’ by Gary Yourofsky. Needless to say, within an hour and a half, I knew I had to make a change in my life and take the step towards veganism.

6. What do you think is the biggest misconception about veganism?

The biggest misconception about veganism is definitely the thought that one cannot survive and thrive on a fully plant-based diet, even though this has been debunked by the biggest nutrition centers around the world.

7. How can people get involved in the animal rights movement?

A lot of activists start in small groups in their hometowns, whether by joining an existing one or creating one. Anonymous for the Voiceless is a major first step for most activists, a group taking part in street activism, engaging with the public about animal exploitation and speciesism. There are also great groups to join such as The Save Movement, the Earthings Experience, Meat the Victims, and Direct Action Everywhere. The amazing thing is that if there is no group in your city, you can start one yourself, so don’t wait till someone takes the first step! Start and the rest will join!

8. What role does social media play in the animal rights movement?

Social media is probably one of our strongest tools as it helps spread the truth about animal exploitation, speciesism, human health, and the environment. This reaches hundreds, thousands, or even millions of people! So if you’re an introvert who can’t be out there, don’t worry! Pick up your laptop or phone and share documentaries, facts, videos, articles, etc about veganism!

9. What advice do you have for people who want to pursue a more sustainable lifestyle?

Don’t be afraid, and don’t take MY word for it. Do your own research! Watch documentaries such as Dominion, Cowspiracy, What the Health, Forks over Knives, and The Gamechangers (coming out in mid-September!). Once done, check out pcrm.org , a platform where you can get free help to go vegan and be healthy (Physician’s Committee of Responsible Medicine)! When you’re ready, start spreading the word in whatever way you can! The animals need us to be active and vocal about this :)