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FAQ — General issues

1. What is the Veggie Pride?
2. What are the aims of the Veggie Pride march?
3. What is the history of Veggie Pride?
4. Who organises Veggie Pride?
5. How is Veggie Pride financed?
6. When will the next Veggie Pride marches take place?
7. Are there or will there be other Veggie Pride marches apart from the one in Paris?

1. What is the Veggie Pride?

The Veggie Pride is an annual demonstration in Paris of Vegans and Vegetarians (veg*ans) who assemble to protest against the exploitation of animals. A march takes place through the streets of Paris which is followed by a gathering in a square during which there are information stands, food tastings, speeches, music etc.

This gathering allows followers of the cause to make new acquaintances, talk and promote mutual support.

2. What are the aims of the Veggie Pride march?

The aim of the Veggie Pride march is to bring veg*ans together to demonstrate publicly in order that everyone of them become a spokeperson of the animals' cause instead of remaining unnoticed. In order to do this we encourage them to express their pride in being veg*an, to join the fight against prejudice against veg*ans and to defend their rights as citizens. In effect, the oppression of non-human animals is also a violation of the rights of human beings. Amongst these are the following:

• The right to eat correctly in works canteens, in hospitals, in prison and in any other location of communal eating
• The right to impartial medical advice and information
• The right to raise our children in accordance with our convictions and that they are not marginalised as a result
• The right to refuse work that goes against our ethical convictions
• The right to respond in the media to all those who choose to criticise our way of life.

3. What is the history of Veggie Pride?

The idea was that of one individual (David Olivier) who was one of a handful of similar minded people. Things really took off on 31 August 2001 when a proposal for a march in Paris was raised in two Internet discussion groups dedicated to animals. Several people showed interest in the project. To firm up the idea, another discussion group was created on 3 September 2001. This new group formed the basis for the political platform of Veggie Pride.

A few weeks later on 13 October 2001, the first Veggie Pride assembled around 200 demonstrators who held a symbolic march around Place des Innocents (the police having allowed only a static demonstration). The demonstration was followed by 'France 3 Ile de France', pictures were taken up and showed by 'Canal+' and 'Télé 7 Jours'. Details of the demonstration were broadcast by several other elements of the media, including 'Technikart' in France and 'NRJ" et "La Dernière Heure' in Belgium.

Bearing in mind the fact that it was only the first one, organised with meagre resources in less than two months, this unexpected media coverage and the success in mobilising 200 demonstrators were encouraging for future marches.

The second march, which benefited from improved preparations, took place on 18 May 2002 in Paris. Around 500 demonstrators came together to march between Place de Jussieu and Place de la Sorbonne. This time the demonstration was broadcast by several national TV and radio stations (France 3, France Info, NRJ, RFM, 24 Heures…) and several regional and specialist media stations.

The event gained magnitude during this second event with a greater mobilisation, increased support from groups, including those from abroad, and more media interest. We are hoping to repeat the success in future years.

4. Who organises Veggie Pride?

Veggie Pride is organised by individuals (as opposed to a coalition of groups) of all ages, from differing backgrounds. In the main, they came together in Internet Discussion Groups dealing with veg*ism and the animal question. All the organisers are vegetarian or vegan out of compassion for animals animals - contrary to people who are vegetarian for their health, ecological or humanitarian reasons. Almost every debate and decision concerning the progress of the demonstration is made through the Internet Discussion group dedicated to Veggie Pride. Any person, fulfilling a few pre-conditions is able to join in the debate.

5. How is Veggie Pride financed?

Organisation of a demonstration such as Veggie Pride requires a substantial budget in order to finance:

• the printing of tens of thousands of pamphlets
• the hiring of a PA system and power generator
• the telephone calls, faxes and mail to the various media and associated groups
• all other sundry costs (megaphone etc.)

The organisations that support Veggie Pride provide moral and logistical help such as spreading information to their members and providing the means to transport demonstrators. However, no financial help is asked of them. Veggie Pride receives no grants or financial help from any source.

The costs are currently at the expense of the organisers themselves. All offers of donations are very welcome.

6. When will the next Veggie Pride marches take place?

Veggie-pride takes place on the third Saturday of May.

The next four marches will therefore take place on the following Saturdays:

• May 16^th, 2009
• May 15^th, 2010

7. Are there or will there be other Veggie Pride marches apart from the one in Paris?

So that we are recognised and accepted, we have to show ourselves as numerous and united. To this end, it is preferable not to organize several little demonstrations in different places. However, we strongly encourage Veggie Pride projects in other countries and invite interested parties to contact us.