If you know me, then you know I’m a big meat eater.

There’s no denying that and there’s no way to pretend that’s not the case. Take a gander around this blog and you’ll see nothing but the facts: I love meat. While the closest I’ve ever been to a vegetarian was when I got tonsillitis last month, I still have moments where I ask questions. Consuming so much meat and seafood does make me wonder how I can contribute to cattle being raised fairly. Most of these questions I have found some answers to, however, there are a few that have remained open-ended. It wasn’t until I found myself at the “Inspiring Global Action Gala” by Animal Equality that I would get those answers.

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If you’re unfamiliar with Animal Equality and what the organization does across the globe, then allow me to introduce the two of you.

The international organization began in 2006 by Sharon Nunez, Jose Valle and Javier Moreno. The trio created Animal Equality with the intent to end cruelty to farmed animals by working with various companies, governmental agencies, and society as a whole. In its twelve year history, Animal Equality has expanded its locations to eight countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Mexico, India, Germany, and more. With each of its locations and their social media outreach, Animal Equality provides education on all areas of eggs, milk, meat, and seafood from animal experimentation, clothing manufacturing, and entertainment. In doing so, Animal Equality has captured the attention of some of the world’s biggest celebrities and influential figures to become members and advocates for the organization. Familiar faces include actress Jessica Chastain, retired professional basketball player John Salley, and singer Mya.

During the signature “Inspiring Global Action” gala event, Animal Equality invited attendees to a dinner at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills. Attending the event not only included a seated dinner, but it gave me the opportunity to interview the celebrity awardees and attendees. For a few moments I was able to talk with Violett Beane, Nic Adler, Kat Von D, and Moby on their favorite vegan restaurants and the things meat eaters can do to better help animals.

Following the interviews guests were seated to a glowing charcuterie board, cocktails, and a plant based dinner featuring Impossible Foods. Dining on the Miyoko’s Cheese Platter with portions of winter truffle or the Mixed Greens with sweet peppers and the Enchiladas with Follow Your Heart fiesta blend shreds was delicious and a nice way to carry the evening, but it couldn’t match the mission of the night. In between the bites and sips, the organization premiered a presentation honoring the awardees of the event.

Taking the stage to accept their awards were Kat Von D (Animal Hero Award), Nic Adler (Vegan Trailblazer Award), and Ethan Brown of Beyond Meat (Compassionate Company Award). Being recognized for their contributions to animals in the makeup industry, restaurant field, and packaged foods respectively, each of the award recipients has worked to bring awareness to animal cruelty and educate their audience and others on how they can make an impact on helping the smallest of voices. Partnering with Animal Equality, the trio and many others work tirelessly to spread the message of how animals should be treated with long term intentions. Nic Adler may have said it best when he described being vegan and helping animals: “We’re a part of something that is going to be the way people live their lives for the next hundred years.”

What I appreciated as a carnivore at an event where I was a minority in more ways than one was no one felt the need to pressure another person to change their eating habits. Kat Von D, each celebrity, and every attendee never forced their preferences on another person. Instead, they encouraged the option for others to learn more about the space and to find areas where they might fit in. It could be a matter of finding restaurants that have the best tasting vegetarian burgers to reduce overall meat consumption or learning about farms that raise cattle with respect. Thanks to this event and those alike I find myself entering with questions on how I can do better yet remain true to myself and I like the answers I’m getting in return.

To check out the black carpet interviews with Violett Beane, Nic Adler, Kat Von D, and Moby, click here!

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