Bob
Have a question related to this hub?
Alice
Got something to say related to this hub?
Share it here.
Tobias Leenaert (Dutch: [ˈtoːbijɑs ˈleːnɑrt]; born 3 August 1973) is a Belgian animal rights and veganism activist, author, and educator. He promotes a pragmatic approach to activism. Leenaert has co-founded vegan and vegetarian advocacy organizations, including the Center for Effective Vegan Advocacy, ProVeg International and Ethical Vegetarian Alternative. He authored the book How to Create a Vegan World: A Pragmatic Approach in 2017 and writes the blog The Vegan Strategist.
Tobias Leenaert was born in Ghent, Belgium[1] on 3 August 1973.[2] He speaks Dutch and English.[3] Leenaert studied German studies at Ghent University.[1]
In 2000, Leenaert co-founded Ethical Vegetarian Alternative (EVA), in Flanders, which he led until 2015.[1] He is the originator of Thursday Veggie Day in Ghent,[4] which was launched in 2009.[5] Leenaert is also the co-founder of the Center for Effective Vegan Advocacy, with Melanie Joy,[6] as well as ProVeg International.[7]
Leenaert advocates for a pragmatic approach to vegan activism, which doesn't rely on solely moral arguments.[8] In 2017, he published the book How to Create a Vegan World: A Pragmatic Approach. He also writes the blog The Vegan Strategist.[9] Leenaert's methods of advocacy has drawn criticism from abolitionist animal rights advocates, such as Roger Yates.[9]
Leenaert gives lectures and workshops on vegan advocacy around the world.[10][11] He has also written and spoken about wild-animal suffering, which he considers as important as the suffering of domesticated animals.[12][13]
Leenaert lives in Ghent with his partner, seven cats and two dogs.[14] He identifies as an effective altruist.[15]