Dr. Faraz Harsini, founder and CEO of Allied Scholars for Animal Protection (ASAP), shares how his experiences growing up in Iran shaped his understanding of oppression and his commitment to animal rights.

He recounts witnessing violence during the 2009 protests at the University of Tehran, navigating life as a gay man in Iran, and a childhood experience with a beloved chicken named Mr. Happy that later helped him confront the disconnect between how society treats different animals.

Speaking at the Animal & Vegan Advocacy Summit, Harsini explores the connections between human and animal rights, approaches to vegan outreach, and the importance of turning compassion into meaningful action.

He also explains ASAP’s mission to establish a lasting animal advocacy presence on university campuses, make veganism more accessible, and equip students to become the scientists, professionals, organizers, and leaders who can transform the movement.