I know more ex-vegans than real vegans. And many of the vegans I know are really beegans and other cheaters, which is to say omnivores. The one ‘vegan’ restaurant in town keeps milk around for coffee, while their decor features Farm Sanctuary cows. A couple veganic gardeners I know use horse manure. Many vegans I know are cold-blooded bug-killers. None of them care much about proselytism.

I’m happy to be a vegan proselyter. Sure, I’ll be hated and accused by ex-vegans of working for the ‘vegan police’. I may come off as aggressive, fanatical, or otherwise ridiculous, but as ethical vegans, we have a duty to protect all sentient beings and uphold the Golden Rule, no matter how impolite it gets. …

Forced conversion is a popular method used by religious proselyters. Ethical veganism can only be transmitted through active conversion (converting yourself). Secondary conversions are also possible, though even in romantic relationships, the convert must have an active change of heart if they are to stay vegan.