Amanda Quinn Interviewed

Interview by Claudette Vaughan

Abolitionist: What does "veganism" mean to you?

Amanda: To plant the seed of great compassion. Veganism to me means to be truly accountable for the way we live with other Beings and the environment. Veganism nurtures the health of our bodies, directly lessens the suffering of animals, and supports a more environmentally friendly relationship with the planet.

It means living with ultimate compassion, promoting loving kindness towards others. It means not supporting the industries which cause harm and suffering to animals. Veganism means taking responsibility in your role in creating peace on the planet.

Abolitionist: How do you juggle all three "rights" issues into your life - human, animal and environmental?

Amanda: I'm currently organising information stalls and meetings for Animal Liberation NSW in the Blue Mountains . I have been running stalls for 7 years now, promoting peace and providing people with a range of education on animal rights issues.

Our group got started after a successful animal rights film night late in 2005. Out of this we created a band of 20-30 people who show up regularly to find out about current animal rights issues and find out how we as a group can be active to help stop animal abuse.

I also work full time co-ordinating a high support disability day program. In this work I advocate for a minority group in our society. The participants in our program have complex disabilities. The majority can't walk or verbalise to communicate their needs so we work to learn the subtle ways they are trying to communicate with us and to encourage them to have power and independence in their lives.

It's extremely rewarding work. I have been caring for this group of people for over 5 years and I'm extremely close and thankful to have them in my life.

I see human rights, animal rights and environmental activism to be very much linked and I keep active in all these areas.

Abolitionist: Please tell us about your book "Vegan Cooking Recipes For Health and Happiness". Amanda: Dipali, a close friend of mine and I created the cookbook out of our love for animals, cooking and our belief in promoting veganism. This book came out in December 2005 after lots of hard work and we have really been happy with its success. It's reached many people who may not have connected with veganism because it uses a lot of wholefoods.

Our book contains over 130 recipes including fantastic desserts such as Pecan Pie, Strawberry Macadamia Nut Tart, hand-made chocolates. People are most welcome to check out this website for a few free recipes from the book.

http://vegan.health-harmony.com.au/

Abolitionist: Many of your recipes are labelled sugar-free and many more are gluten-free. Is this a specialist cookbook?

Amanda: No. We wanted our cookbook to reach a wide audience and show veganism is for everyone. We believe in promoting healthy vegan delicious foods (and there are plenty of sweet treats also). I myself believe that eating a mainly vegan wholefood diet is best for yourself and the environment. I'm a great believer in growing your own food organically as it uses less resources than the processed, packaged foods. We as vegans should try to limit the waste.

Abolitionist: What advise would you give a vegetarian who wants to cross over to veganism?

Amanda: Start experimenting with vegan cooking. The more skills you have to create your own food the better. Connect with animal rights groups to find out more about the hidden cruelty in dairy and the egg industry, along with leather and wool etc. This will give you the good reason why to go vegan. I've found it extremely helpful over the years to stay connected to animal rights as it always keeps your food choices honest and keeps you keen on promoting veganism. Stick with it! I've been a vegan for 9 years and I have never looked back. The good health I have experienced is a bonus.

Abolitionist: How many animals in the Quinn household, Amanda?

Amanda: My partner Pete and I have wonderful animal friends we live with. Our dogs, Socks and Maisy (Maisy is Sock's Mum) has been living with us since February. A friend of ours who passed away arranged for us to take Maisy and Mischief, the cat. Lyn said at the time, "What animals would not like to live with you?"

It gave her great peace to know her animal friends would be with us until the day they die naturally. Maisy and Socks, the dogs, love each other so much it's like they are always on holiday together smiling, running and playing.

Our cats, Mischief, Anastasia and Anora are all part of the household. Anora is 4 ½ years old yet most of my friends have yet to meet him as he hides under the bed or in a tree when anybody arrives. He was a rescued kitten. Unfortunately the memory of animal cruelty he experienced has stayed with him. Thankfully he trusts us and gets lots of cuddles and love, like all the animals here. They are all delightful and lovely individuals.

Abolitionist: What's the hardest thing about being a vegan for you?

Amanda: Not everyone is vegan. This can be extremely challenging with friendships, family and generally in the community. We you know so much and feel deeply about the factory farming and the animal industry the fact is there is a animal holocaust going on today in the world and most people choose to ignore it.

Abolitionist: What's the easiest thing about being vegan?

Amanda; The easiest part is knowing you are part of the big change and that you are standing up for those that don't have a voice, being the peace you want to see and never giving up.

Abolitionist: Lastly, why is veganism a lifestyle and not just a dietary change?

Amanda: As you are living loving kindness and compassion showing others there is a better way, that you don't need to participate in cruelty, it's walking the talk of peace.

Also, you are boycotting all parts of the industry and not just food products.