RCP #1
Racialised Speciesism
Hello human animals,
Welcome to the first issue of The Radical Companionship Project newsletter. Each month, we will recap the discussions going on in our RadCom study group, share requests and offers as part of Animal Caregivers Mutual Aid and highlight inspiring action and events in the animal liberation movement through our Ignite & Agitate segment. Make sure you stick to the end as we have a very exciting reminder!
And, as always, email us at radicalcompanionship@tutanota.com if you have any suggestions or contributions — this is a community resource <3
RESOUCRE, REFLECTION, RESPONSE from RadCom
This months study topic was ‘Racialised Speciesism’ particularly in the context of anti-Black racism. We explored the work of various Black vegans and anti-speciesists and read some of the first chapter of the Radical Companionship book (for the full list of resources, join the group!).
Our reflections mostly included discussion around the human/animal binary and how it is defined by white supremacy. We also considered how reclamation of our animality in the form of play, resourcefulness and creativity can help us move away from this dichotomy.
We were left with a question to help probe our response(s) to Racialised Speciesism: What work can we do to confront white supremacist speciesism within our communities? And how does this differ depending on race, class, culture etc.?
What would be your answer? Go ahead and comment at the bottom of this email!
ANIMAL CAREGIVERS MUTUAL AID
This mutual aid initiative is for any ethical animal caregivers — from micro-sanctuaries, to hunt sabs, to animal liberationist prisoners — to get the support they need as we collectively offer it. There is always love and care in liberation. Request/offer here to be featured in our next issue.
Unoffensive Animal are an anarchco-vegan media collective supporting prisoners and “bringing you the sweetest news on direct action” They are trying to raise 1k a month on Patreon to support their work. Contribute here or make a one-off donation to their PayPal: unoffensive_animal@tutanota.com
Hounds of Liberation are an anti-capitalist micro-sanctuary with eight rescue dogs and many rescue gerbils. Recently, they have been hit with multiple expensive vet bills, particularly for a newly-disabled resident who is now partially paralysed due to a rupture in his spine — please help them cover these surprise costs by contributing to their GoFundMe.
FAVE (Funds for Asheville Veterinary Emergencies) is a grassroots organization in the southern Appalachian mountains in the so-called United States that aims to provide members of our community with financial aid when they encounter veterinary emergencies. People can donate via Venmo @fave-fund. It isn't set up as a business account yet, so the name that comes up on the account will be Elsa (one of the organizers). Email them at avlervetfund@gmail.com and follow their work @F.A.V.E.fund.
IGNITE & AGITATE
This is our section for inspiring action in the movement! We wanted to take a moment to focus on some positive things happening in the world right now…
Camp Beagle is a protest camp against the breeding of beagles for laboratory experiments. On the night of the 17th of January activists fought back once more by locking onto the gates of Impex Services International which transports nonhuman animals to their torture. We grieve for those nonhumans and celebrate effective activism. Support their action here!
CALL TO ACTION: Anarchist political prisoner Eric King has been on communication restrictions for over a year. Eric’s mail ban is finally over (for now) so please write him if you can! Learn more at EricKing.org.
Similarly to animals colonised into pethood (who are the focus of the Radical Companionship book), aquatic animals are often left out of the equation of animal rights. So, we wanted to share this video from the page Agents of Liberation to help remind us all of both our commitment to all nonhuman species and the fact that animal resistance happens all the time.
We recently announced that Alastor (Justin) Van Kleeck (they/them) founder of Triangle Chicken Advocates sanctuary and The Microsanctuary Movement, is doing presentation just for RCP! Don’t forget to book your FREE tickets to Caregiving Is Activism: Microsanctuaries in Theory & Practice…