Not everyone who becomes vegan is interested in becoming an activist. However, the only way we’re going to move closer to a vegan world is if more and more people speak up for these voiceless and hidden victims. Luckily, there are many very talented individuals who are leading that charge. Some of them are expert debaters, some have created amazing documentaries, and some give Oscar acceptance speeches highlighting the cruelty of the dairy industry (wink-wink, Mr. Joaquin Phoenix).

1. Wayne Pacelle

Source: Switch4Good/YouTube

This spot was originally reserved for Alex O’Conner, aka Cosmic Skeptic, a non-vegan YouTuber who initially discussed religion and philosophy and then transitioned into one of the most articulate, knowledgeable, and passionate animal rights activists out there. But given his recent community post and YouTube video explaining his return to eating animal body parts, and the fact that he is “re-evaluating my ethical position on eating animals”, I couldn’t in good conscience include him on this list (even though some of his earlier videos on animal rights are some of the most compelling I’ve ever seen).

With that said, Wayne Pacelle is probably a much better fit for this list even if Alex hadn’t undergone this recent transformation.  Pacelle is the former President of the Humane Society of the United States and has since founded Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy. These organizations have helped pass several federal animal welfare laws, even more statewide initiatives, and improved the way corporations treat animals. Pacelle and his organizations were also key players in helping to get the FDA Modernization Act passed.

2. Earthling Ed

Source: Earthling Ed/YouTube

Ed Winters, or Earthling Ed, is an extremely patient, knowledgeable, diplomatic, and prolific animal rights activist. From debating college students to giving college lectures to opening vegan restaurants to opening an animal sanctuary to writing a book to creating a documentary and amazing Youtube content, Ed Winters is a certified vegan powerhouse.

3. Joey Carbstrong

Source: Good Morning Britain/YouTube

Joey Carbstrong may come off as brash or too direct for some people, but for too many others, that is exactly the kind of messaging they need to make the switch to veganism. Joey’s no-nonsense approach has garnered him a huge following on YouTube, and he’s been interviewed by several large tv networks and radio stations. He’s also had some of the most epic vegan debates you’ll ever see.

4. Humane Hancock

Source: Humane Hancock/YouTube

Humane Hancock, or Jack Hancock, is a vegan YouTuber. He may not have the same notoriety as many of the others on this list, but he has one of the most unique and interesting perspectives in this arena, especially considering his father is a slaughterhouse worker. He has a humorous and compassionate approach, and his videos on wild animal suffering are a must-watch.

5. Billie Eilish

Source: LIVEKINDLY/YouTube

Billie Eilish has been vegan for a while, but initially, she didn’t want to talk about it much. In recent years, however, that has completely changed. She often uses her social media to highlight the abuses animals face in various industries, she’s created an eco-friendly World Tour, and she even took a break from touring to travel to capitol hill to support legislation for more accessible plant-based meals in schools.

6. Alex Bez

Source: Amazing Vegan Outreach/YouTube

Alex Bez is another relatively unknown activist who deserves recognition for his work. Bez used to have a job in corporate sales until he decided to quit and do something that he loved. He discovered he could travel around the world and teach vegans how to be better activists by incorporating what he learned from the sales world. His company, Amazing Vegan Outreach, operates on a donation-based model, and he offers what is probably the best workshop out there to make yourself a better vegan activist. You can also check out his content on YouTube at Amazing Vegan Outreach.

7. Joaquin Phoenix

Source: farmsanctuary/YouTube

From sticking up for dairy cows and their children in an Oscar acceptance speech to narrating two of the most iconic animal rights films of all time (Dominion and Earthlings), to regularly attending vigils and protests, Joaquin Phoenix is one of the most dedicated and influential vegan activists on earth. He even helped save a cow and her baby from a slaughterhouse just days after his Oscar Speech.

8. Kip Andersen

Source: COWSPIRACY: the sustainability secret/YouTube

You might not find Kip Andersen leading an animal rights march or debating meat-eaters on YouTube, but he may have helped more people become vegan than anyone else on this list. Andersen has been a writer, director, and/or producer for three of the most important vegan films of all time: Cowspiracy, What the Health, and Seaspiracy. Truly a living legend.

9. Paul & Asal

Source: Dennis Mi/YouTube

Anyone who has been an animal rights activist for a while has probably heard of Anonymous for the Voiceless. The group, which wears TVs showing footage of animals being exploited while interacting with the public, was founded by Paul Bashir & Asal Alamdari. It is one of the most effective and rewarding forms of activism out there.

10. Ingrid Newkirk

Source: Real Time with Bill Maher/YouTube

72 years old and still going strong, PETA’s president Ingrid Newkirk is one of the greatest vegan activists of all time. In recent years she has released a book called Animalkind and, of course, continues to lead the largest animal rights organization in the world.

Slogan Tees For Animal Activists

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“99% of clothes are never recycled. At Tiny Rescue, we welcome you to the 1%. We are proud to say our clothing is made out of waste materials!” says Preeta Sinha, Founder of Tiny Rescue.

Check out their new animal collection!

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