DJ B.

Why did you decide to eat more plants?

Originally, my wife and I went veg for the animals in 1993 (thanks, Linda and Paul McCartney). We went vegan in 2001, and our motivation started to become more health-based.

I always had digestion issues and never really discovered the cause until I cut out dairy. I had this epiphany that I don’t have to feel sick after I eat.

How has eating more plants helped you?

I come from a long line of cholesterol-hoarding heart attack victims. I’ve never had to take any of the typical drugs like Lipitor to control my cholesterol levels—no judgment for those who do, just my personal experience.

At 51, it’s also not too hard to control my weight as long as I don’t eat too much vegan junk food, which is a weakness.

Eating a more plant-based diet is one of the best things I’ve ever done for my body.

How has our open-minded, LGBTQIA+ friendly community impacted your life?

I’m just happy that there’s a group of plant based people online who don’t care about my gender or anyone else’s gender or sexual orientation. It’s a relief to have safe places online wherever we can find them.

What is the most important thing you’d like to share with the Clean Food Dirty Girl community?

Wow, so much pressure! I feel like both choosing to eat a plant-based diet and being out as a trans/non-binary person were among the best things I could have done in my life. I would say marrying my wife almost 30 years ago, but that allowed me to do the other two things listed above, so maybe that’s the most important thing.

What do you love about yourself?

I’m very adaptable. I’m like tofu with nice legs.