A life for the animals - Secretary General's 20th anniversary celebration
20 years vegan - a journey towards compassion and action
A reflection on choices and values
Today marks a special day for me - it's now 20 years since I decided to go vegan. But I'm not concerned with highlighting how long I've been vegan. For me, it's not about time, it's about direction. It's not about how long you've been on the journey, but that you're on it - that you've chosen to make a difference for the animals, for the planet and for yourself.
The beginning of the journey
Twenty years ago, I became very interested in ideas of non-violence and how we could create a better and more just world. I was reading about ethics, philosophy and social movements, and many of the thinkers I looked up to were vegetarians. This led me to Google the word "vegetarian". The first thing that came up was PETA'svideo Meet Your Meat. After watching the video, I knew I couldn't go on as before. I had a responsibility. I made the decision to go vegan on the spot.
20?? - one of the first times I handed out flyers in Denmark
The first steps
My vegan journey began with large quantities of Indian food and basic ingredients from the local supermarket. To my surprise, I quickly found useful vegan products. Soon after, I started to get actively involved. I ordered materials from peta2, handed out flyers about fish rights at my school and talked to friends and classmates about my decision.
Organizing and activism
Jeg startede SETA (Students for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) i både gymnasiet og på universitetet, hvor vi arrangerede events, filmvisninger og samtalesaloner. En praktikplads hos PETA gav mig et værdifuldt indblik i den internationale bevægelse, og senere arbejdede jeg der. Efter at være flyttet til Danmark, blev jeg en del af Dyrenes Alliance, hvor jeg nu har arbejdet i næsten 13 år.
Newspaper clippings, 2006
Experiences from the frontline
Over the years, I've tried just about every form of activism. I've handed out flyers on the streets and at festivals, replied to thousands of emails, organized campaigns, demonstrated in front of slaughterhouses and supermarkets, and led organizations. I've stood naked in the winter cold to raise awareness, worn all kinds of animal costumes, been harassed by police and even 'borrowed' a Zamboni in the name of activism. I've faced opposition and headwinds, scorn and hope. And I've had deep conversations with strangers who told me that that very conversation made a difference.
2009: Jason disrupts hockey game to talk about how chickens were treated by McDonald's. Holding a PETA sign that read " McDonald's Breaks Birds' Wings and Legs", Jason got a chance to speak about how birds killed for McDonald's were grabbed by their legs and hung upside down from metal hoops. Many of them were still conscious when their throats were cut and they were immersed in scalding hot water.
Community and relationships
One of the most valuable things has been meeting and working with some of the most courageous, empathetic and inspiring people I know. People who have shaped my life and my view of the world - and one of them even became my spouse. The community we build as animal activists is something special. We carry each other through the hard times and celebrate the small and big victories together.
2007, KFC demo
Developments in society
A lot has changed in the last 20 years. Back then, soy milk was hard to find in the supermarket and plant-based products were a rarity. Today, we have a cornucopia of vegan options - from milk to meals, from snacks to beauty products. This is due to a combination of technological advances, growing consumer awareness and the tireless work of activists. More and more people are choosing plant-based - for the sake of animals, the environment, health and justice.
Making a difference - one day at a time
According to calculations, since going vegan, I have saved around 7,300 animals from suffering and dying in industrial agriculture - equivalent to about one animal a day for 20 years. It's overwhelming to think about and an important reminder: you can make a difference too. You can start saving animals right here, right now, by choosing a vegan lifestyle.
2008 KFC demo. Jason on the right under the tree, and his father on the left under the telephone pole and parking ban sign.
Towards a vegan future
Although we still have a long way to go, we have also come a long way. I am more convinced than ever that a vegan world is possible. It will take courage, persistence and community, but we are moving in the right direction. Every time someone chooses a vegan dish, questions the status quo or acts for animals, we take another step towards a more compassionate future
2008 KFC demo
Thank you for being part of the journey
Thank you to all of you who are on this journey - wherever you are. Thank you for choosing compassion, justice and hope. Together we are creating a more sustainable, just and vegan world. And I am deeply grateful to be a part of it.
