Go Vegan: PETA offers to sponsor animal-loving gay activist Harrish Iyer’s first date

Earlier this week activist Harrish Iyer was all over the news after his mother placed India’s first gay matrimonial advertisement in a daily newspaper .

The first-of-its kind ad got a lot of attention, especially on social media, where it was both praised and criticized. But it also achieved its purpose as there were over 70 responses to the ad.

“Between Wednesday and Thursday, when it was circulated widely on social media and picked up by the media, I received 73 proposals in my email,” Padma Iyer, Harrish’s mother was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times. The responses have come from all over the world and most of them seem to be, infact, Iyers, the report continued.

Now, the Iyers’ search has been validated by PETA India as well. The organisation has offered to sponsor his first date with a potential suitor, at any restaurant of his choice, as long as it’s a vegan meal, according to a Buzzfeed report.

The email from Poorva Joshipura, the CEO of PETA India, says that the organization noticed that they noticed his ad and the fact that it mentioned vegetarian as a requisite. Following is an excerpt of the email, from Buzzfeed .

“We know how nerve wracking a first date can be, and how important it is to make a good first impression. In that regard, we are writing to offer that your first date with your potential life partner be on us, with a romantic vegan dinner for two at a restaurant of your choice. We, like you, stand for respect for all, and wish you all the best in your efforts to find love. As there’s nothing more attractive than compassion, we imagine the biggest trouble you’ll face is deciding who to choose!" 

Needless to say, Iyer was pleased by PETA’s gesture and accepted. Buzzfeed quotes his email to PETA India where he says, “I believe animals are not for us to wear or eat. I understand that I will be compatible only if this is a shared value with my partner. Do let me know if you find a man in your organisation or in your knowledge.”

While Iyer’s search for a life partner may still be on, at least he has got some finer details set thanks to PETA’s generosity.