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A Utah doctoral student has been named PETA's male "Sexiest Vegan Next Door" for 2016 — the first time an out transgender person has won the honor.
Dexter Thomas, 34, of Salt Lake City, is a transgender rights activist who is studying for his Ph.D. in social psychology at the University of Utah, the animal-rights group said in an announcement Wednesday.
Thomas grew up among cattle ranchers in rural Utah, but went vegan at age 17 — eventually persuading his mother, father and brother to give up animal-based foods as well.
Thomas dropped out of high school at 17, due to troubles he faced as a transgender student. He became an advocate for animals and LGBTQ youth — mentoring at the Utah Pride Center, and opposing events put on by the Utah Gay Rodeo Association — and was inspired to get his GED and go to college, graduating summa cum laude.
"I learned firsthand that people are capable of immense cruelty toward others who they perceive to be inferior to them," Thomas said in a statement. "When I started to realize that this attitude drives a transphobia, homophobia, sexism, and so on, I also realized it fuels outdated attitudes toward other animals. This is part of what motivated me to go vegan when I was 17."
Tracy Reiman, PETA's executive vice president, said in a statement, "Dexter's deep commitment to exposing the common roots of oppression and advocating for individuals in need — regardless of species — makes him number one on our list."
Thomas's honor comes with a free vacation for two to Maui. PETA's female winner is Chioma Ohalete, a physician based in Washington, D.C.
Thomas is the second member of Utah's LGBTQ community to win PETA's honor in as many years. Last year, Victor Barragan, a fire performer and chef from West Valley City, claimed the male title.