I believe that everything is made of atoms and that makes everything and everyone equal. I look upon animals and I don't see "lesser beings" or "food" or "clothes". I see them as conscious and intelligent beings, and even more importantly I see them as my brethren. As family.
That is why I neither eat nor wear animals, it would be like eating a younger sister. I avoid stepping on ants just as I wouldn't step on my brother. If this makes me a weirdo, then I am a weirdo. This is my only way of living. Please respect it and I will respect you.