South Asian Pride Shines
Alex Sangha may just be the first Sikh in history to be the Grand Marshal of the Vancouver Pride Parade. Surrey is also making history by holding its first ever pride parade. Sher Vancouver will be present in both parades. For those of you not familiar with Alex’s work in the LGBTQ community, a brief biography is below.
Alex Sangha is an award winning author, social worker, and advocate for equality and human rights. He has an MSc in Public Administration and Public Policy from the Department of Government from the London School of Economics and a Master of Social Work from Dalhousie University. Alex has worked as a instructor, counsellor, clinician, social worker, case manager, and youth counsellor. He currently works as a team leader for a mental health team with a health authority.
In terms of his LGBTQ advocacy, Alex was elected Co-Chair of Pride UBC. He fundraised close to $10,000.00 to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Outweek. Alex was involved with the Gay Warriors talking circle and was elected Secretary on the Board of the Four Feathers Society. Alex is the Founder of Sher Vancouver which is a social, cultural, and support group for LGBTQ South Asians and their friends, families, and allies. Sher has over 600 members.
The DOSTI project is an anti-bullying, racism, homophobia, and transphobia workshop that Alex launched from scratch in April 2009. As part of his Master of Social Work practicum, Alex decided to bring the LGBTQ community together to develop affordable housing for LGBTQ seniors and allies called Dignity House. Alex secured close to $40,000.00 to do a market and feasibility study. Dignity House is now a non-profit society.Alex is currently working to advance LGBTQ programs and services within Fraser Health Authority. He has developed the DOSTI Project (HIV edition).
The Out and Proud Project celebrates the strength and diversity of amazing queer South Asians. This popular blog has attracted approximately 20 profiles and over 10,000 hits. Alex is currently producing a documentary film about the late Sher Vancouver social coordinator, January Marie Lapuz, who was a trans woman of color. Alex also founded and supports the January Marie Lapuz Youth Leadership Award which is a $500 annual cash prize.
Alex feels we can all be “role models.” We can set an example for other countries. In India and many parts of the world homosexuality is illegal and our queer friends are persecuted if not executed. We have a duty to advocate for equality and fundamental human rights for everyone everywhere. Our beautiful corner of the world can provide support and strength and a blue print to implement improved laws for queers around the globe.
Alex is a recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for Social Work and is the Grand Marshal of the 2016 Vancouver Pride Parade.
