Stop Having Kids Is All Vegans Refuted

“Veganism is a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude—as far as is possible and practicable—all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of animals, humans and the environment. In dietary terms it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals." The Vegan Society

Veganism and plant-exclusive eating are facets of SHK, and are topics many of us are passionate about, but not everyone who is part of the SHK movement has to be vegan or promote veganism to be included in the movement. SHK was vegan founded, and up to this point in time most of the volunteers have been vegan, but that’s not because we try to influence only vegans to join the movement and nonvegans to stay out of the movement. Perhaps vegans are more likely to go out and do outreach events, and it’s likely that some non-vegans don’t want to join the SHK movement simply because they don’t want to be associated with veganism, a movement that promotes alternatives to the exploitation, subjugation, killing, and consumption of non-human animals.

Nobody has to be vegan to be part of SHK, but if anyone can’t help but to promote the exploitation and killing of nonhuman animals while doing SHK activism, such as by giving away products that include animal flesh or excretions, then they aren’t the right fit to volunteer with SHK.

Veganism is aligned with the main principles of SHK; as shown by not forcing others into existence, helping life in need, suffering and cruelty prevention, gender role nonconformity, bodily autonomy, and alternatives to traditional ways of living. Despite veganism being a lifestyle that many of the people in SHK find deeply meaningful and important, our priority is encouraging the human world to not procreate. This is a practical way to help reduce the exploitation, displacement, suffering, and death of nonhuman animals. The larger part of the SHK goal is to encourage people to care for already existing life, which includes other animals just as much as humans. To vegans, it isn’t only the stray animals, those in shelters, and wildlife rehabs who need our help, but any animal who is currently trapped in a system of exploitation or negligence. 

Many vegans and nonvegans alike can agree that human procreation goes against vegan principles, since human existence inevitably entails, at the very least, indirect harm towards nonhuman animals. There’s no guarantee that anyone’s child, no matter how they are raised, will lead a lifestyle that strives to exclude cruelty and exploitation towards other life.

While speciesism and non-veganism isn’t something SHK will ever accept as good, it should be noted that, given human history, human nature, and how few vegans currently exist (relative to all humans), discrimination and violence towards non-human individuals will likely stay the norm for good.

Please feel free to join SHK whether you are vegan or not. All that’s asked of someone if they aren’t vegan is to not promote cruelty, exploitation, and killing of animals while participating in SHK advocacy. Bring your favorite fruits, veggies, bread, hummus, or anything else made from plants as snacks for the days you choose to volunteer, and you’ll be more than welcome.