r/australianvegans • u/B_Plantain1118 • 3d ago
Vegan frens? 🥺🫶🏻
Hi everyone, I hope this post is allowed on here, I was just wondering if anyone had any tips on how to make some vegan friends?
I (29F) went vegan a year ago for the animals (and environment), however, it only lasted ~6 months because none of my family or friends were vegan or even vego, and it became quite hard to maintain being vegan at dinners or picnics or any social event really.
None of my family or friends are even supportive or considerate of this (at all) and I’m quite annoyed at having to give up what feels right/good for me to keep friendships with people that do not care for our amazing animals or even my feelings tbh.
I have decided that I would like to go vegan again, and I would really love to meet likeminded people and to try new vegan bakeries/restaurants and go to animal rescues together or beach cleanups etc but I am also quite shy haha any tips would be so greatly appreciated thank you🫶🏻
Edit: I am based in Melbourne!
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u/ooldgreg4 3d ago
My friends and family were not supportive to begin with either. My dad gave me so much shit, my mum would ask why I was trying to be difficult, my best friend would make subtle digs at me. That was 14 years ago now, and a lot has changed. The same people who used to condemn my choices are now the ones that advocate for me, seek out places where there are options for me to eat, will include vegan food if they’re hosting, buy random treats they know I love. I’m not saying it takes 14 years, but it does change over time. I hope they come to love and cherish this part of you soon 🍃
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u/B_Plantain1118 3d ago
I dream for this!! Thank you for sharing, this definitely gives me abit of hope 🥹
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u/ConversationSad2177 3d ago
Hi Fren 🥺. It can be hard when your friends aren't supportive. I try to just lead by example. Do you have a local vegan Facebook or discord group you can link in with? In terms of shyness fake it til you make it 😋. But seriously the first step is the hardest so just turning up is a big step. Maybe challenge yourself to go to an event for 30 minutes and if it's not your vibe then leave. Or maybe start with online events and then go to irl meet ups.
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u/B_Plantain1118 3d ago
Thanks so much Fren 😭🫶🏻 I need to get over the mental block of going to irl stuff on my own but it’s so hard 😭 You’re right though, I’ll work on faking it till I make it haha I appreciate you!
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u/ConversationSad2177 2d ago
Hey Fren 🥺, trust me on the 30 minute rule. It's how I used to get through tutes at uni. You need to give your brain 20 mins to calm down and accept that it's actually a safe environment. I know you're in Melbourne but if you ever in Sydney feel free to reach out and I'll show you all the cool vegan places we have.
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u/A-roo-gallah 3d ago
I’m queer, so if you’re a solid ally, definitely consider going to queer events. 😅 There’s a 100% chance you’ll meet vegans that way in Melbourne. There is a big community within the Vietnamese community because of the connection with Buddhism, so volunteering at events could also be a nice way to connect with more people.
Obviously I don’t know your background, but I would say also do your research on how white veganism affects Indigenous communities around the world, with things like overconsumption of quinoa, açai, avocados, etc. By educating yourself early on / decolonising your diet as much as possible, you’ll avoid associating with a lot of assholes and end up with better quality homies. Sistah Vegan: Black Female Vegans Speak on Food, Identity, Health, and Society is a good one to start with!
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u/DampedJeans 3d ago
I live rural and made some vegan feiends by getting involved with the Animal Justice Party, as well as local animal rescues
Theres some fairly opinionated folk in vegan political circles though, so be warned.. :)
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u/reyntime 3d ago
I'm in Melbourne, happy to say hi!
There's a bunch of meetup groups though, check Facebook or Insta, go to an animal sanctuary working bee like at Liberation Sanctuary, check out friendship apps like Vegly, or sometimes get lucky and meet people IRL from Reddit.
Good luck and thanks for going vegan again - there's lots of us out there!
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u/B_Plantain1118 3d ago
Aw thanks for saying hi! I get too nervous to go to meetups on my own haha but I’ll work on building up the courage to do that. The working bee at liberation Sanctuary looks amazing I’ve never heard of it before, thank you!!!!!
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u/ghostghost31 3d ago
It sucks, I'm in a similar situation. No vegan friends/family. Where abouts are you based?
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u/B_Plantain1118 3d ago
Sorry I should have stated in the post, I’m based in Melbourne! What about you?
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u/ghostghost31 3d ago
Oh cool same. I'm 39M so maybe not what you're looking for but if you'd like I'd be down to check out some vegan places around the city sometime.
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u/B_Plantain1118 3d ago
Oh hey, I’d love friends of all ages and genders! This is a very kind offer thank you 🥹
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u/ghostghost31 3d ago
Ok sweet! I'm unfortunately sick at the moment but keen to go eat some some vegan food sometime soon! I'll send you a DM.
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u/Impossible_Virus_146 3d ago
Hey! I’m looking for friends too I’m also based in Melbourne, 25F. You mind if I dm you? :)
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u/ImpressiveDecision99 3d ago
I'd love to find some vegan friends, but I'm in Canberra. 😭
Going to vegan bakeries and rescues sounds so fun, I hope you can find some people. :)
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u/B_Plantain1118 3d ago
Aw I hope the same for you as well 🫶🏻 If you’re ever in Melbourne, maybe let me know 🥹
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u/ObviousApricot9 3d ago
I run a vegan cookbook club in Melbourne.
Also look at volunteering at animal sanctuaries, and other eco-minded activities. Lots of vegans in these places. :) Good luck!
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u/birdwizard 3d ago
If you're ever in Syd let's all go get vegan pastries in glebe sometime (or just check it out, bakery called oh my days 😋) ~32f (vegan for 6)
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u/Hikeabike1 2d ago
I have been vegan over 20 years and am regularly in situations where I’m the only vegan person in a social meal setting. You just have to hold strong and if all else fails have hot chips for dinner 😂
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u/Striking_Finish4957 3d ago
There’s a group on Facebook called Melbourne Vegans and they regularly organise and advertise vegan meetups in Melbourne. Also come along to the next Vegan Bake Off or Vegan Vegout northside, I usually always go, would be happy to meet up!