"My family has always eaten vegan at home, so that was never an issue. The minister at my church also regularly encourages a plant-based diet in her sermons."

Gwendolyn Boniface, 22, is an actor and teaching artist. She was aware of her sexuality at age 14 and first came out the following year. She's queer, bisexual, pansexual, Unitarian, and was raised vegan since age 1. Gwen is an activist for LGBTQ+ rights and animal rights, and lives in New York City.

What led up to awareness of your sexuality and your first coming out?

I developed a crush on a female classmate. I grew up in a very accepting environment, so as soon as I was sure of who I was, I came out.

How did you find representation for your sexuality and/or gender identity?

Friends who were LGBTQ+, mentors, teachers, professors, online community, church, college, and activism. Having grown up in a super accepting community, someone being unsupportive would be the surprise, so it's difficult to come up with specific examples.

Have you experienced homophobia, mistreatment, harassment, bullying, or discrimination because of your sexuality and/or gender identity?

Yes, homophobia. When I first started dropping my bisexuality into conversation at work, I got a lot of uncomfortable stares and people changing the subject, but that was the worst of it there. I'm also quite femme, so I don't usually ping people's gaydar. However, I was called a dyke on the street for the first time last year when walking with a more butch friend.

How does your sexuality and/or gender shape your daily life?

As a woman in a liberal community, my gender definitely has more impact on the way I move through my daily life than my sexuality. I do experience street harassment pretty much every time I leave my house.

"Especially when I was a kid, other children would often mock me for eating something different and even try to force feed me meat."

At what age do you stop eating animal products and why?

Age 1. I was raised vegan.

How did you find representation for your vegan identity?

Family who were vegan/vegetarian, online community, and activism. My family has always eaten vegan at home, so that was never an issue. The minister at my church also regularly encourages a plant-based diet in her sermons.

Have you experienced mistreatment, mockery, harassment, or bullying because of your veganism?

Yes, mistreatment, mockery, and bullying. Especially when I was a kid, other children would often mock me for eating something different and even try to force feed me meat.

How does being vegan function differently at home, school, and in the workplace?

At home, I never have to think about my veganism much because I cook for myself. At school and work, it's much more of an issue because I have to explain myself to other people. I often find myself skipping food-centered gatherings or bowing out of conversations about food.

What does it mean for you to be LGBTQ+ and vegan or vegetarian?

I think in some ways it was easier for me to come out as queer because I was already out of the mainstream in other ways.

This interview was conducted in June 2017 via online questionnaire and has been edited.