Back in the 90’s, whilst studying at sixth form college, I decided to go vegan. I’d already been a vegetarian since a young age, so I thought it would be a challenge to take it one step further and eliminate all dairy and animal bi-products from my diet.

At the time, my friend Sadie was a huge inspiration. For a start, she was into Siouxsie And The Banshees – a band that I also adored, and still love to this day. Dressed in black, her raven-coloured hair backcombed and extended, with a pale complexion and cats-eye make-up, she was not only a fascinating companion, but someone who educated me on the brutal torture that animals are put through so that some of us can have food on our plate.

Back then, I was determined that no flesh, fish or foul would be consumed. Sadly, my veganism only lasted a few months – a result of specialist non-dairy food being overpriced and hard to find, as well as my strong craving for cheese (which, in hindsight, is almost as cringeworthy as that bacon cliché).

In my formative years, I was still unaware of the really dark side of the dairy industry. I will save the details here for now. Instead, I will nod to someone who is an expert on the wonders of a vegan lifestyle.

Sean O’Callaghan is a popular online blogger who goes by the name of Fat Gay Vegan. Boasting 16,000 followers on Instagram, 18,000 fans on Twitter, and a devoted hoard of inspired viewers on his website, Sean’s work is steadfast. Fat Gay Vegan’s advice, food reviews and recipe ideas couldn’t have come at a better time.

Three months ago, I decided to become a vegan once again – and this time it’s for life. My decision stems from wanting to exclude animal suffering from my life choices, wanting to eat more healthily, and being inspired and educated by my friend Polly, a fellow vegan (who took the photograph at the top of this page). Bizarrely, it’s only recently that I’ve discovered foods such as tempeh, braised tofu and jackfruit – delicacies that are hugely popular within the vegan community.

Sean’s insightful work has also been an important contributory factor to my new dairy-free life, as has the discovery of some wonderful vegan stockists in London, and the availability of more food in local supermarkets which, in these insanely busy times, help make the diet much easier and less complicated than it should be. 

More about: | Fat Gay Vegan | Polstar Photography