Veganism is often seen by outsiders as “a diet” or “a personal choice”. It is unwelcome to have such things projected over us when we see veganism as a moral philosophy and ethical practice that we undertake for the good of vulnerable individuals, not our own interests. When someone who exploits animals performatively expresses “respect” for what we are doing, it is typically a coping mechanism that they are using to deal with the moral judgement that they feel when exposed to veganism and vegans. No one wants to feel morally inferior, and these expressions of respect serve to allow the animal abuser to feel that they are in some way morally aligned or friendly to veganism. But they are not, and it feels really bad as a vegan to have someone trying to use us as a prop to manipulate their own conscience in a way that allows them to continue abusing animals without thought or concern.

I appreciate your engagement and trying to understand the disconnect. I’m not being glib or mean when I say we don’t want your respect and validation. It is something you need to understand if you want to keep engaging in vegan spaces without being unwelcome.