The vegan charity used to have separate divisions for men and women, but this year, people of all genders will enter the same category

The competition is now open (Photo: Adobe. Do not use without permission)

Animal rights charity PETA has launched a gender-neutral competition looking for the 'Sexiest Vegan' in the US.

The organization says its Sexiest Vegan Next Door competition has been modeled after its Sexiest Vegan Celebrity and Most Beautiful Vegan Celebrities contests, whose winners include Benedict Cumberbatch and Miley Cyrus.

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The competition has previously been divided into men and women, but form this year, there will be one gender-neutral category for people of all genders. There will be two winners, who will receive a trip for two to Hawaii, courtesy of Humane Travel.

Vegan winners

"Vegans are the (dairy-free) crème de la crème when it comes to showing respect and compassion for animals," PETA Executive Vice President, Tracy Reiman, said in a statement.

"PETA's Sexiest Vegan Next Door contest recognizes the everyday heroes to animals who are making the world a kinder place each time they sit down to eat."

Entrants must be U.S. residents and at least 22 years of age. The entry round ends on March 29. On April 15, PETA will announce the 20 finalists - to be determined by a PETA panel - and voting will open to the public to help determine the winners, who will be revealed on May 13. Previous finalists and winners are ineligible to enter.

You can enter the competition here