BETH TEITELL’S “It’s not easy being vegan’’ (G, Oct. 4) marginalized a part of our community that is doing its best to improve the lives of animals and the health of our planet. Missing from the article were opinions from people like me -- vegans who are proud of their choice, and who are not struggling at all.
The article was full of generalizations and anecdotes that suggested that being a vegan is difficult, that vegans proselytize, and that vegans are ignorant. All three premises are wrong.
The subhead, which asks, “But how many of us can actually commit to soy milk and tofu?’’, was also misleading. I barely eat either of those foods, yet I am a very healthy vegan -- just ask my doctor.
In addition, the writer tried to advance the notion that it is difficult to get enough protein from non-animal products. Maybe she has never heard of beans, nuts, and seeds.
I hope this article didn’t scare people away from a compassionate, healthy, and feasible diet. In Boston, it’s actually very easy being vegan. And if you need support, you can check out the Boston Vegetarian Society website.
David Havelick, Brighton 
