Name: Cynthia Wright
Age: 28
Occupation: Operations Director
Website: Lez Get Real and Ms. Gay Musings
How long have you been vegetarian? And what inspired your journey?
I have been a vegetarian since I was 19 years old. At the time, I was doing a lot of unhealthy things and I ended up having a pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs). I was told I could have died, if I didn’t [check into the hospital] since they weren’t sure whether the clot was headed toward my heart or brain. After I left the hospital – I changed everything and became healthier – I gave up meat during the process.
Has vegetarianism enhanced your health? Why or why not?
It has made me a lover of vegetables; it also made me take stock of what I was putting in my body.
In retrospect, how do you feel about meat? Or do you have any thoughts on America’s meat industry?
I don’t have feelings one way or another about meat. Most of the people I know outside of my dad, step-mom, and boo eat meat, so I’m around it all the time. I do think the meat industry is disgusting [though] because of how it kills animals and how unclean [the animals] are.
Was there a community of black women that helped you along your meatless journey? And if not, what are you doing to change this for others?
Not really. I am a huge advocate for meat free living. I often cook veggie meals for my loved ones and so far, they really like them. Will they give up meat? That is to be determined but at least they know that there are options outside beef, chicken, and seafood.
Are you a vegan, vegetarian, or pescatarian? Email arielle@frugivoremag.com if you’d like to be featured in the Black Female Vegetarian Series. Check back every Tuesday and Friday for a new profile! Click to read past profiles here.