Amar Sangha

Amar Sangha
Sangha in 2017
Born
Amar Singh Sangha

(1972-04-19) 19 April 1972
Gravesend, Kent, England
Alma mater
Occupations
  • Social worker
  • counsellor
  • documentary film producer
  • community advocate
Websitewww.amarsangha.com

Amar Singh Sangha MSM, also known publicly as Alex Sangha and listed by the Governor General of Canada as Amar (Alex) Sangha, is a Canadian social worker, counsellor, documentary film producer, and LGBTQ+ community advocate.[1][2][3] He is the founder of Sher Pride, formerly known as Sher Vancouver, a registered charity supporting LGBTQ+ South Asians, their friends, families, and allies.[4][5][6] In 2016, Sangha became the first Sikh Grand Marshal of the Vancouver Pride Parade.[7][8]

Sangha has produced social-impact documentaries including My Name Was January and Emergence: Out of the Shadows.[9][10] My Name Was January won 14 awards and received 66 official selections at film festivals around the world.[9] Emergence: Out of the Shadows screened at festivals including Out on Film, image+nation LGBTQueer Montréal, Reelworld Film Festival, Frameline Film Festival, KASHISH Pride Film Festival, and the Mumbai International Film Festival.[11][12][13][14][15] He is also the co-founder of the Sundar Prize Film Festival, a Surrey-based international film festival focused on social-impact cinema and underrepresented voices.[16][17]

Sangha has received several honours for his community work and advocacy, including the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal from the Governor General of Canada, the BC Community Achievement Award, the City of Delta Mayor's Achievement Award, Coast Mental Health's Courage To Come Back Award, and the King Charles III Coronation Medal.[18][1][19][20][21][22]

Early life, education, and career

Sangha was born in Gravesend, Kent, England. His birth name is Amar Singh Sangha. He was raised in Metro Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, specifically Surrey and North Delta. His father, Dalbir Singh Sangha, and his mother, Jaspal Kaur Sangha, are both of the Sikh faith from Punjab, India.[23] Sangha was largely raised by his mother.[4] His mother received a standing ovation for delivering a speech about embracing her gay son in 2018.[24] Sangha has an older and younger brother, and a half-brother through his father's second marriage.[25]

Sangha studied at Douglas College in New Westminster, British Columbia, and graduated Grade 12 from Frank Hurt Secondary in Surrey.[25] He completed a Bachelor of Social Work at the University of British Columbia with First Class Standing.[23][26] He later completed a Master of Social Work at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia,[27] and an MSc in Public Administration and Public Policy from the Department of Government at the London School of Economics.[28][29]

Sangha is a Registered Clinical Social Worker and a Registered Clinical Counsellor[30] with a private counselling practice in North Delta.[31] He previously worked as an instructor, clinician, social worker, team leader, and youth counsellor.[32][33]

His work has been profiled by Douglas College, Dalhousie University, the University of British Columbia, UBC Magazine, and the London School of Economics, with these profiles highlighting his work as a social worker, counsellor, documentary film producer, and community advocate.[34][35][36][37]

Personal life

Sangha is a gay South Asian man and described his coming out experience as very alienating and isolating as a teenager, and he had a hard time with internalized homophobia.[38][39] In November 2016, Sangha provided support and assistance for a Sikh international student from Punjab, India who was disowned by his family for being gay and who contacted Sher Pride for help.[4][40][41] Sangha later referred to this student as part of the family.[24]

In May 2020, Sangha wrote a commentary published in The Times of India describing a spiritual experience he had when he was 19 and the impact it had on his social work career, community service, and coming to terms with his sexuality as a gay Punjabi Sikh man.[42] On October 10, 2020, on World Mental Health Day, the London School of Economics Alumni published on its internal communication channels and social media platforms a commentary Sangha wrote about living with bipolar disorder and creativity.[43] He received the Courage to Come Back Award from Coast Mental Health for 2021 in the Mental Health category.[44][21] In January 2022, Sangha wrote a commentary published in India that discussed his spiritual philosophy on being gay, having children, and God.[45]

Sher Pride and LGBTQ+ advocacy

Main article: Sher Pride

In April 2008, Sangha founded Sher Vancouver, now known as Sher Pride.[46] The organization was originally created to support gay Sikhs in Surrey and North Delta, and later expanded to support LGBTQ+ South Asians more broadly, along with their friends, families, and allies.[4][47][48]

Through Sher Pride, Sangha developed community programs focused on peer support, counselling-related referrals, public education, cultural programming, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ South Asians and other marginalized communities.[4][49] He launched the Dosti project, an anti-bullying, anti-racism, anti-homophobia, and anti-transphobia workshop that included coming out stories from a South Asian perspective.[50][39][51] He also launched the Out and Proud project, which profiled queer South Asians from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and India.[52][53][54]

Sangha developed a free crisis counselling program[4] and peer support groups for Sher Pride members.[55] In 2015, he launched the January Marie Lapuz Youth Leadership Award to recognize youth involved in LGBTQ+ community work.[56][57][58][59]

In 2016, Sangha was appointed Grand Marshal in the Role Model category at the 38th annual Vancouver Pride Parade. Media coverage identified him as the first Sikh Grand Marshal of Vancouver Pride.[60][61][62] In 2017, Sangha led Sher Vancouver's contingent in the Vancouver Vaisakhi Parade, which was reported as the first time an LGBTQ+ South Asian organization marched in the parade.[41][63]

In 2018, Sangha celebrated the tenth anniversary of Sher Pride with the Desi-Q Cultural Celebration in Surrey.[46] In 2019, he successfully lobbied the City of Delta, on behalf of Sher Pride, to install rainbow park benches in the city to support diversity and inclusion.[64][65] In July 2020, Sangha, on behalf of Sher Pride, released Queersome Desi Resources, a curated list of queer South Asian resources from around the world.[66] As part of Pride celebrations in British Columbia in 2020, CBC profiled Sangha as part of a Proud to Shine campaign recognizing his work as a social worker, filmmaker, and founder of Sher Pride.[67]

In September 2021, Sangha delivered the Paul Cheng Memorial Lecture to incoming social work students at the University of British Columbia. He was selected as the 2020 winner of the Inspiring Social Worker of the Year Award in part for his work with Sher Pride.[68] The Sher Vancouver LGBTQ Friends Society became a registered charity on July 6, 2021.[69]

In November 2023, Sher Pride launched Safar with Pride,[70] described as a Desi Queer Learning Hub created to support and educate LGBTQ+ South Asians.[71][72] In 2024, Sher Pride earned certification as a Living Wage Employer from the Employers Committee of the Vancity Community Foundation's Living Wage for Families BC campaign.[73]

Sangha received the Meritorious Service Medal from the Governor General of Canada in recognition of his role in founding Sher Vancouver and supporting LGBTQ+ South Asians through community service, advocacy, and cross-cultural dialogue.[1][74]

Advancing queer and racialized cinema

Through Sher Pride, Sangha has supported juried film awards recognizing 2SLGBTQ+ stories and filmmakers at Canadian film festivals. In 2023, Sher Vancouver and the Vancouver International South Asian Film Festival, now known as the International South Asian Film Festival Canada, announced the Sher Vancouver Award for Best LGBTQ+ Film, an annual award for films addressing South Asian and LGBTQ+ themes.[75] BC Creates reported that Sher Vancouver sponsored the award with a $2,000 Canadian cash prize.[76] At the 2023 festival, the award was presented to Arun Fulara's short film My Mother's Girlfriend.[77]

Also in 2023, the Vancouver Asian Film Festival added the Sher Vancouver Best 2SLGBTQ+ Short Film Award.[78][79] The festival describes it as a juried award for short films whose subject and content represent 2SLGBTQ+ themes, while Sher Pride lists a $2,000 Canadian cash prize for the award.[78][80]

In 2024, the Sundar Prize Film Festival announced a Best 2SLGBTQ+ Film category carrying a $1,000 Canadian prize for its 2025 edition.[81] The award was presented in 2025 to Loveleen Kaur's documentary Leilani's Fortune.[82] These awards form part of Sher Pride's broader film programming, which has included documentary production, festival screenings, filmmaker mentorship, and the Sundar Prize Film Festival.[80][16]

Dignity Seniors Society

Sangha is one of the founders of the Dignity Seniors Society, a non-profit society that aims to support vulnerable LGBTQ+ seniors in Vancouver. The Dignity Seniors Society was originally the Dignity House Advisory Committee, a Master of Social Work practicum project of Sangha. The intent of the committee was to build affordable housing for LGBTQ+ seniors.[83][84][85][86] Sangha secured funds from the Vancity Community Foundation and the United Way of the Lower Mainland to complete a market survey on the need and demand for affordable housing within the community.[87][88]

Writing and advocacy

Sangha has published commentaries and letters under the name Alex Sangha in outlets including The Georgia Straight, The Times of India, HuffPost Canada, and The Vancouver Observer.[89][90][32][91] His writing has addressed LGBTQ+ rights, South Asian queer identity, poverty reduction, democratic participation, environmental protection, spirituality, access to justice, and public policy affecting vulnerable people.[92][93][94][95]

A recurring theme in Sangha's writing is the need for greater recognition, safety, and inclusion for LGBTQ+ people, particularly queer South Asians and other racialized LGBTQ+ communities. His published work has discussed growing up gay and South Asian in Surrey, the importance of LGBTQ+ civic services and hate-crime prevention, and the value of visible South Asian LGBTQ+ role models.[96][97][98] In other writing and interviews, Sangha has connected spirituality, self-acceptance, public service, and documentary filmmaking to his broader advocacy for marginalized communities.[99][100][101]

Sangha's writing has also focused on poverty, social mobility, and the role of government in supporting people facing hardship. He has advocated for a guaranteed annual income, stronger social supports, and greater flexibility in government administration for people in crisis.[102][103][104] In letters and commentaries, he has argued that public systems should be more responsive to people whose basic needs, health, housing, or safety may be at risk.[105][106]

Another theme in Sangha's writing is civic and democratic participation. His political commentaries have supported reforms intended to increase public involvement in government, strengthen representation, and encourage greater participation among younger people and underrepresented communities.[107][108] His writing on public policy has generally emphasized fairness, access, and the need for institutions to be more responsive to ordinary people, especially those without significant financial, legal, or political power.[109][110]

Environmental responsibility has also appeared in Sangha's published writing. In one commentary, he called for British Columbia to ban plastic shopping bags, citing concerns about pollution, waste, harm to wildlife, and the long-term environmental effects of single-use plastics.[111]

Independent coverage of Sangha's public work has also connected his writing and advocacy to his broader community role as a social worker, founder of Sher Vancouver, and documentary producer. Vancouver Sun coverage identified him with advocacy in the South Asian LGBTQ+ community, while BC Achievement described him as an advocate for equality and human rights.[112][113] Profiles by BC Creates, the London School of Economics, and the University of British Columbia have also linked his film work and community leadership to social justice, underrepresented stories, and the creation of safer spaces for dialogue and visibility.[114][115][116]

Film work

Sangha has produced documentary films focused on social justice, identity, family acceptance, and underrepresented communities.[117]

My Name Was January

In 2018, Sangha co-produced and appeared as an interview subject in the short documentary film My Name Was January with Ash Brar. The film was directed by Elina Gress and Lenée Son, and tells the story of January Marie Lapuz, a transgender woman and Sher Vancouver social coordinator who was killed in New Westminster in September 2012.[118][119][120] The film was created as a tribute to Lapuz and provided a platform for trans women of colour to discuss their experiences, challenges, and strengths.[121][122][123][124]

My Name Was January was an official selection at the National Screen Institute Online Short Film Festival in Winnipeg, Manitoba,[118] and a finalist at the San Francisco Bay Area Sex Worker Film and Arts Festival.[125] It also won Best Short Documentary at the Emerging Lens Cultural Film Festival in Halifax and was recognized at the Vancouver International South Asian Film Festival; both festivals are listed by the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television as qualifying festivals for the Canadian Screen Awards.[126][127][128] The documentary won 14 international awards and received 66 official selections at film festivals around the world.[9] It was broadcast on OUTtv and made available on OUTtvGo.[129] In 2018, the New West Record selected Sangha as one of the Top 10 people who had an impact in the arts in New Westminster.[130]

The film stars January's mother, Betty Lapuz, and her friends Ash Brar, Amar Sangha, Josh Soronow, Pam Hayer, and Velvet Steele,[131] as well as social activists Kelendria Nation and Natasha Adsit.[132] Moving Images Distribution has listed the film in its catalogue.[133][134]

Emergence: Out of the Shadows

In 2021, Sangha produced and appeared as an interview subject in the feature documentary Emergence: Out of the Shadows, directed by Vinay Giridhar. The film follows queer South Asian people in Metro Vancouver and explores coming out, family acceptance, cultural identity, and the experiences of parents responding to their children's sexuality.[135][136][137][138]

Sangha received training and mentorship from the National Screen Institute in Winnipeg, Manitoba to help him with Emergence: Out of the Shadows.[139] The film had its world premiere at Cinema Diverse: The Palm Springs LGBTQ Film Festival, where it won a Festival Favourite award. It subsequently screened at festivals including Out On Film in Atlanta, the Chicago South Asian Film Festival, image+nation LGBTQueer Montréal, Reelworld Film Festival in Toronto, NorthwestFest in Edmonton, the Vancouver Queer Film Festival, Frameline in San Francisco, KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival, and the Mumbai International Film Festival.[140][11][141][15][142][143]

Emergence: Out of the Shadows was the closing night film at both the South Asian Film Festival of Montreal and the Vancouver International South Asian Film Festival, where it won Best Documentary.[13][11] The film was nominated for three awards at the Vancouver Asian Film Festival, including Best Canadian Feature Award, Best Director for Canadian Feature Award, and Best Cinematography for Canadian Feature Award for 2021.[11] It entered the Canadian Screen Awards for Best Feature Documentary and Best Editing for 2022.[11] The film had its South Asian premiere at Reel Desires: Chennai International Queer Film Festival.[144] It also had a double festival premiere at the KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival and the Mumbai International Film Festival during the same week, where it was in competition at both film festivals for Best Documentary.[14] The film also had an in-person and online screening at the 46th annual Frameline: San Francisco International LGBTQ+ Film Festival.[15] Frameline describes itself as "the world's longest-running, largest and most widely recognized LGBTQ+ film exhibition event."[145]

The film was broadcast in Canada on Knowledge Network, TVO, and OUTtv.[146][147][148] In October 2023, Emergence: Out of the Shadows received the Best Feature Film award at the inaugural Langley City Film Festival.[149]

Sundar Prize Film Festival

Main article: Sundar Prize Film Festival

Sangha co-founded the Sundar Prize Film Festival with filmmaker Vinay Giridhar.[16][150][151] The festival was created to recognize and showcase films that use storytelling to raise awareness, promote empathy, and inspire action on social causes and issues.[152]

The festival focuses on films connected to human rights, social justice, Indigenous peoples, immigrants and refugees, people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ communities, vulnerable and marginalized people, the environment, climate change, education, health, and wellness.[152] It has been covered as a Surrey-based film festival dedicated to social-impact cinema, underrepresented voices, and films with purpose.[16][153] Stir described the festival as an extension of Sher Pride's earlier documentary work, including My Name Was January and Emergence: Out of the Shadows.[16]

The festival was announced under Sher Pride's former name, Sher Vancouver, and was described in early coverage as an international film awards competition for films with social impact.[154][155] In addition to film screenings,[153] the festival has hosted panel discussions, networking events, and mentorship programs.[16][156] Its FilmFreeway profile identifies the festival as an IMDb-qualifying festival, a member of the Film Festival Alliance, and an initiative of Sher Pride.[152]

Academic and community recognition

In addition to his work with Sher Pride, Sangha has been the subject of several features highlighting his role as an advocate for LGBTQ+ and South Asian communities. In a 2024 article from UBC Magazine, he was profiled as a "Changemaker" for his use of art and filmmaking as a form of activism to address complex social issues.[157] A feature from the London School of Economics focused on his experiences as a gay South Asian Canadian and LGBTQ+ rights advocate and on his work raising awareness about the experiences of South Asian LGBTQ+ people.[158] The Documentary Organization of Canada profiled Sangha's filmmaking as an extension of his human rights and social advocacy work.[159]

Honours and recognition

In 2011, Sangha was named one of Canadian Immigrant magazine's Top 25 Canadian Immigrants.[3]

In 2013, Sangha received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.[18][160]

In 2014, Sangha received a Vancouver Pride Society Legacy Award in the Creating Safe Spaces category. Xtra reported that he received the Green Award for creating safe spaces for South Asian and senior LGBTQ+ people and their allies.[161]

In 2016, Sangha received the BC Community Achievement Award. The BC Achievement Foundation described him as an advocate for equality and human rights and noted his role in establishing Sher Vancouver and the Dignity Project.[19][162]

In 2016, Sangha was appointed Grand Marshal in the Role Model category at the 38th annual Vancouver Pride Parade. Media coverage identified him as the first Sikh Grand Marshal of Vancouver Pride.[163][164]

In January 2017, DARPAN Magazine named Sangha one of its Newsmakers of 2016 for his LGBTQ+ advocacy and community-building work in the South Asian community.[165]

Sangha was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Civil Division, by the Governor General of Canada on October 17, 2017, and was invested with the medal on March 25, 2019. The Governor General's citation recognized his role in founding Sher Vancouver, building bridges in the community, changing social attitudes, and beginning cross-cultural dialogue on diversity.[1][166]

In 2018, Sangha received a Vancouver Pride Society StandOUT Award in the Business Leader category. The Georgia Straight reported that the award recognized his engagement with businesses in support of LGBTQ+ rights and human-rights causes.[167]

Sangha was named the 2020 winner of the Inspiring Social Worker of the Year Award. The award was recognized at the Paul Cheng Memorial Lecture organized by the University of British Columbia School of Social Work and the British Columbia Association of Social Workers. The ceremony was postponed from 2020 and held in September 2021.[168]

In 2021, Sangha received Coast Mental Health's Courage To Come Back Award in the Mental Health category.[21][169]

In 2023, Sangha received the City of Delta Mayor's Achievement Award in the Difference Maker Award category.[20]

In 2023, Sangha was one of 35 Douglas College alumni selected to receive the college's Alumni35 Award, which recognized alumni whose careers, community work, or personal projects demonstrated resilience, innovation, leadership, and global citizenship.[170]

In 2024, Sangha received the King Charles III Coronation Medal.[22][171]

In 2025, Sangha received the Strengthening Safety Award at the DIVERSEcity Awards of Impact. DIVERSEcity stated that the award recognized his work creating safer and more inclusive spaces through Sher Vancouver, while local news coverage identified him among the eight recipients honoured at the 2025 awards ceremony.[172][173]

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Mr. Amar Alex Sangha". The Governor General of Canada. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  2. ^ "About". Official Blog of Alex Sangha. 2011-11-02. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  3. ^ a b "Alex Sangha". Canadian Immigrant. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  4. ^ a b c d e f "Alex Sangha, founder of Sher Vancouver, honoured with Meritorious Service Medal". The Georgia Straight. 2018-05-30. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  5. ^ Agency, Canada Revenue. "T3010". apps.cra-arc.gc.ca. Retrieved 2021-12-24.
  6. ^ Zillich, Tom (2026-02-19). "Surrey's Sundar film fest expands to North Delta this spring". Peace Arch News. Retrieved 2026-03-10.
  7. ^ "He Just Made History As Vancouver Pride's First Sikh Grand Marshal". HuffPost Canada. 2016-08-01. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  8. ^ "Meet Vancouver's 2016 Pride grand marshals". Xtra. 2016-07-08. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  9. ^ a b c Ryan, Denise (2019-11-25). "Release revoked for transgender woman's killer". Vancouver Sun. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  10. ^ "Social worker-turned-filmmaker makes an impact through films". Dalhousie Alumni. 2021-10-11. Retrieved 2021-12-29.
  11. ^ a b c d e Simone. "INTERVIEW with Visaff Producer Mannu Sandhu & Film Producer Alex Sangha". 104.3 The Breeze. Retrieved 2021-12-06.
  12. ^ "Alumni films stream at Reelworld Film Festival". National Screen Institute - Canada. 2021-10-12. Retrieved 2021-12-06.
  13. ^ a b "The Vancouver International South Asian Film Festival brought folks together through film and Indigenous performance art". The Georgia Straight. 2021-11-24. Retrieved 2021-12-06.
  14. ^ a b "Emergence: Out Of The Shadows to get double festival premiere in Mumbai". Cinestaan. 2022-05-26. Archived from the original on 2022-05-26. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  15. ^ a b c "Emergence: Out of the Shadows". Frameline. Retrieved 2022-07-02.
  16. ^ a b c d e f Johnson, Gail (2024-06-06). "The new Sundar Prize Film Festival gives voice to those who are underrepresented". Stir. Retrieved 2026-06-04.
  17. ^ "Sundar Prize Film Festival launches in Surrey". The Runner. 2024-06-27. Retrieved 2024-09-07.
  18. ^ a b "Amar Singh Sangha". The Governor General of Canada. Retrieved 2026-06-05.
  19. ^ a b "Alex Sangha". BC Achievement Foundation. Retrieved 2026-06-05.
  20. ^ a b "2023 Mayor's Achievement Awards Winners Announced; Bruce McDonald honoured with Freedom of the City Award". City of Delta. 2023-03-10. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  21. ^ a b c "Courage To Come Back TV Show Raises $1.6million". Coast Mental Health. Retrieved 2026-06-05.
  22. ^ a b "The King Charles III Coronation Medal recipients". BC Gov News. 2024-09-18. Retrieved 2026-06-05.
  23. ^ a b "Alex Sangha". IMDb. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  24. ^ a b "This Moving Speech by an Indian Origin Gay Man's Mother at a Queer South Asian Event in Canada Received Standing Ovation". Gaylaxy Magazine. 2018-06-21. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  25. ^ a b "Alex Sangha". IMDb. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  26. ^ "1990s". Trek Magazine UBC. 2018-11-28. Archived from the original on 2020-06-04. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  27. ^ "Alex Sangha (MSW'13) - Alumni - Dalhousie University". Dalhousie Alumni. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  28. ^ "News highlights". [www.alumni.lse.ac.uk](http://www.alumni.lse.ac.uk). Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  29. ^ "News highlights". [www.alumni.lse.ac.uk](http://www.alumni.lse.ac.uk). Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  30. ^ "Sher Vancouver's Alex Sangha to receive Meritorious Service Medal from Governor General". 2018-05-23. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  31. ^ "Alex Sangha: the suburban therapist launches in Delta". The Vancouver Observer. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  32. ^ a b "Alex Sangha". HuffPost Canada. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  33. ^ "Alex Sangha uplifts and empowers people of all unique identities through social activism and storytelling". Vancouver Is Awesome. Retrieved 2021-09-09.
  34. ^ "Alumni35: Celebrating resiliency and global citizenship". Douglas College. Retrieved 2026-06-05.
  35. ^ "Social worker-turned-filmmaker makes an impact through films". Dalhousie Alumni. 2021-10-11. Retrieved 2021-12-29.
  36. ^ Glassman, Rachel (2024-05-24). "Art as activism". UBC Magazine. Retrieved 2025-09-02.
  37. ^ "The Stories That Go Unheard". London School of Economics. Retrieved 2025-09-02.
  38. ^ "Alex Sangha: Growing up gay and brown in Surrey". The Georgia Straight. 2011-08-26. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  39. ^ a b "Sexuality and the South Asian diaspora". Xtra. 2012-02-16. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  40. ^ Brach, Bal (2016-11-02). "Support group raising money for shunned gay South Asian international student". CBC.
  41. ^ a b "This LGBT group just made history in Vancouver's Vaisakhi parade". Xtra. 2017-04-19. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  42. ^ Sangha, Alex (2020-05-28). "Seeing the "Light"". The Times of India. Retrieved 2020-05-29.
  43. ^ "News highlights". [www.alumni.lse.ac.uk](http://www.alumni.lse.ac.uk). Retrieved 2021-02-22.
  44. ^ "2021 Recipients". Courage To Come Back Awards. Retrieved 2021-09-09.
  45. ^ "On Being Gay, Having Children, and God". Retrieved 2022-01-05.
  46. ^ a b "Sher Vancouver marks 10 years of celebrating sexual diversity in Surrey". Surrey Now-Leader. 2018-03-11. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  47. ^ "DARPAN's Newsmaker of 2016: Alex Sangha". DARPAN Magazine. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  48. ^ Johnson, Pat (2016-07-27). "Sikh Pride marshal reflects on difficulty coming out". Vancouver Is Awesome. Retrieved 2026-06-05.
  49. ^ "Sher Vancouver to launch Surrey support group for South Asian LGBT youth". The Georgia Straight. 2017-04-28. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  50. ^ "Coming out as gay and South Asian". Xtra. 2009-06-03. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  51. ^ "Making LGBT people visible in the South Asian community: Our City of Colours, Sher Vancouver, and more". The Georgia Straight. 2011-11-18. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  52. ^ "Sher Vancouver's Out and Proud Project to counteract India's antigay legislation". The Georgia Straight. 2013-12-23. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  53. ^ "Meet the 2016 Vancouver Pride Parade Grand Marshals!". Vancouver Pride Society. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  54. ^ "Sher Vancouver Out and Proud Project". Sher Vancouver Out and Proud Project. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  55. ^ "Sher Vancouver to launch Surrey support group for South Asian LGBT youth". The Georgia Straight. 2017-04-28. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  56. ^ "DIVERSEcity is the new, exclusive sponsor of the LGBTQ+ January Marie Lapuz Youth Leadership Award". DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society. 2019-08-01. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  57. ^ "South Asian LGBT magazine founder Sukhdeep Singh receives Sher Vancouver's youth leadership award". The Georgia Straight. 2017-01-04. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  58. ^ "Surrey social justice activist wins Sher Vancouver's Youth Leadership Award". Surrey Now-Leader. 2019-01-18. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  59. ^ "Surrey residents make it big in January Marie Lapuz Youth Leadership Award". Surrey Now-Leader. 2018-01-04. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  60. ^ "Meet Vancouver's 2016 Pride grand marshals". Xtra. 2016-07-08. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  61. ^ "He Just Made History As Vancouver Pride's First Sikh Grand Marshal". HuffPost Canada. 2016-08-01. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  62. ^ "Why being Vancouver's Pride parade marshall means so much to Alex Sangha". Global News. 2016-07-28. Retrieved 2026-06-05.
  63. ^ "LGBTQ group to participate in Vaisakhi parade for first time". CBC. 2017-03-22.
  64. ^ Gyarmati, Sandor (2019-02-25). "Delta to consider rainbow crosswalks, other measures to support LGBTQ community". Delta Optimist. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  65. ^ "Delta to address inclusion and services for LGBTQ community". North Delta Reporter. 2019-02-25. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  66. ^ "Sher Vancouver releases "Queersome Desi Resources."". Surrey604 Magazine. Retrieved 2020-07-29.
  67. ^ "Celebrate BC's LGBTQ shining stars with CBC British Columbia". CBC News. 2020-07-28. Retrieved 2020-07-29.
  68. ^ "2020 Paul Cheng Memorial Lecture". School of Social Work. Retrieved 2021-09-09.
  69. ^ "T3010". apps.cra-arc.gc.ca. Retrieved 2021-09-09.
  70. ^ "Safar with Pride". Safar with Pride. Retrieved 2025-08-08.
  71. ^ "New online 'learning hub' for South Asian LGBTQ+ in Surrey area". Surrey Now-Leader. 2024-11-08. Retrieved 2025-08-08.
  72. ^ Gaylaxy (2024-12-31). "Sher Vancouver Unveils Safar with Pride: A Groundbreaking Queer South Asian Learning Hub". Gaylaxy Magazine. Retrieved 2025-08-08.
  73. ^ "About". Sher Vancouver. Retrieved 2025-08-08.
  74. ^ McIntyre, Gordon (2018-05-30). "Social worker given medal for advocacy in South Asian LGBTQ community". Vancouver Sun. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  75. ^ Bhattacharyya, Anirudh (2023-05-04). "Canada film fest introduces annual award for film with LGBTQ and South Asian themes". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 2026-06-14.
  76. ^ "Meeting Alex Sangha: film producer and founder of Sher Vancouver". BC Creates. 2023-06-01. Retrieved 2026-06-14.
  77. ^ "iSAFF 2023 Celebrates Global South Asian Pathbreakers". Urban Asian. 2023-10-11. Retrieved 2026-06-14.
  78. ^ a b "Vancouver Asian Film Festival". FilmFreeway. Retrieved 2026-06-14.
  79. ^ "VAFF27 Festival Program" (PDF). Vancouver Asian Film Festival. 2023. Retrieved 2026-06-14.
  80. ^ a b "Films". Sher Pride. Retrieved 2026-06-14.
  81. ^ "Sundar Prize Announces Call for Submissions After a Successful Inaugural Film Festival". Drishti Magazine. Retrieved 2026-06-14.
  82. ^ "2025 Winners". Sundar Prize Film Festival. Retrieved 2026-06-14.
  83. ^ "History". Dignity Seniors Society. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  84. ^ Nuttall, Jeremy J. (2012-12-31). "For Gays, Entering Seniors Home Can Mean Going Back in Closet". The Tyee. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  85. ^ "Vancouverite rallies support for affordable housing complex for LGBT seniors". The Georgia Straight. 2012-10-04. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  86. ^ "Have You Seen It Happen?: LGBT Seniors Back In The Closet". Davie Village Post. 2016-09-02. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  87. ^ "Dignity House project gets boost for queer housing feasibility study". The Georgia Straight. 2012-11-28. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  88. ^ "Dignity House gets funds for feasibility study". Xtra. 2012-11-27. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  89. ^ "Alex Sangha". The Georgia Straight. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  90. ^ "Alex Sangha: NRI Contributor". The Times of India. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  91. ^ "Alex Sangha". The Vancouver Observer. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  92. ^ Sangha, Alex (2011-08-26). "Alex Sangha: Growing up gay and brown in Surrey". The Georgia Straight. Retrieved 2026-06-08.
  93. ^ Sangha, Alex (2015-07-30). "Alex Sangha: Why Surrey needs to embrace its growing LGBTQ population". The Georgia Straight. Retrieved 2026-06-08.
  94. ^ Sangha, Alex (2019-04-19). "Time for British Columbia to ban plastic bags!". The Times of India. Retrieved 2026-06-08.
  95. ^ Sangha, Alex (2020-05-28). "Seeing the "Light"". The Times of India. Retrieved 2026-06-08.
  96. ^ Sangha, Alex (2011-08-26). "Alex Sangha: Growing up gay and brown in Surrey". The Georgia Straight. Retrieved 2026-06-08.
  97. ^ Sangha, Alex (2015-07-30). "Alex Sangha: Why Surrey needs to embrace its growing LGBTQ population". The Georgia Straight. Retrieved 2026-06-08.
  98. ^ Sangha, Alex (2016-07-27). "Alex Sangha: South Asian LGBT people score Pride triple crown in Canada". The Georgia Straight. Retrieved 2026-06-08.
  99. ^ Sangha, Alex (2020-05-28). "Seeing the "Light"". The Times of India. Retrieved 2026-06-08.
  100. ^ "Meeting Alex Sangha: film producer and founder of Sher Vancouver". BC Creates. 2023-06-01. Retrieved 2026-06-08.
  101. ^ "The Stories That Go Unheard". London School of Economics. Retrieved 2026-06-08.
  102. ^ Sangha, Alex (2015-02-10). "Alex Sangha: The end of poverty and the beginning of happiness". The Georgia Straight. Retrieved 2026-06-08.
  103. ^ Sangha, Alex (2015-10-29). "Proposal for Justin Trudeau: A new national social inclusion and social mobility charter for Canada is needed". The Georgia Straight. Retrieved 2026-06-08.
  104. ^ Sangha, Alex (2017-10-11). "Canada Could Abolish Poverty With A Basic Income". HuffPost Canada. Retrieved 2021-02-22.
  105. ^ Sangha, Alex (2020-01-14). "Letter to the Editor - The Accommodation Principle". The Times of India. Retrieved 2026-06-08.
  106. ^ Sangha, Alex (2020-01-15). "Letter to the Editor - Dear Premier: The problem with the welfare system". The Times of India. Retrieved 2026-06-08.
  107. ^ Sangha, Alex (2017-03-20). "6 Electoral Reforms For A More Democratic B.C. Election". HuffPost Canada. Retrieved 2021-02-22.
  108. ^ Sangha, Alex (2014-04-08). "A Simple Proposal To Create A Powerful Senate For Canada". HuffPost Canada. Retrieved 2021-02-22.
  109. ^ Sangha, Alex (2017-11-24). "B.C. Needs To Step In So Everyone Has Equal Access To Legal Services". HuffPost Canada. Retrieved 2021-02-22.
  110. ^ Sangha, Alex (2014-10-15). "5 Ways To Enhance Local Government And Democracy In Surrey". HuffPost Canada. Retrieved 2021-02-22.
  111. ^ Sangha, Alex (2019-04-19). "Time for British Columbia to ban plastic bags!". The Times of India. Retrieved 2026-06-08.
  112. ^ McIntyre, Gordon (2018-05-30). "Social worker given medal for advocacy in South Asian LGBTQ community". Vancouver Sun. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  113. ^ "Alex Sangha". BC Achievement Foundation. Retrieved 2026-06-08.
  114. ^ "Meeting Alex Sangha: film producer and founder of Sher Vancouver". BC Creates. 2023-06-01. Retrieved 2026-06-08.
  115. ^ "The Stories That Go Unheard". London School of Economics. Retrieved 2026-06-08.
  116. ^ "Alex Sangha". University of British Columbia Faculty of Arts. Retrieved 2026-06-08.
  117. ^ "Alex Sangha". Documentary Organization of Canada. 2021-06-28. Retrieved 2026-06-05.
  118. ^ a b "My Name Was January (short film)". National Screen Institute - Canada. 2019-02-08. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  119. ^ MacLellan, Julie (2018-10-15). "Her name was January, and she wasn't just a statistic". New West Record. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  120. ^ "Remembering January Marie Lapuz Through Film". The Runner. 2018-10-02. Retrieved 2019-09-27.
  121. ^ "Surrey-raised murder victim remembered in new documentary film". Surrey Now-Leader. 2018-09-07. Retrieved 2019-09-27.
  122. ^ "Film shares story of trans immigrant woman". Canadian Immigrant. Retrieved 2019-09-27.
  123. ^ "My Name Was January: documentary pays tribute to late Metro Vancouver trans woman January Marie Lapuz". The Georgia Straight. 2018-09-18. Retrieved 2019-09-27.
  124. ^ "Surrey-raised murder victim remembered in new documentary film". North Delta Reporter. 2018-09-07. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  125. ^ "My Name Was January". Sex Worker Fest Movies. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  126. ^ "Special Anniversary Commentary - My Name Was January - By Alex Sangha". AAJ Magazine. 2019-10-16. Retrieved 2026-06-05.
  127. ^ "Alex Sangha - Awards". IMDb. Retrieved 2026-06-05.
  128. ^ "2023 Canadian Screen Awards - Eligible Festivals & Online Platforms List" (PDF). Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television. Retrieved 2026-06-05.
  129. ^ "NSI Business for Producers 2020 participants". National Screen Institute - Canada. Retrieved 2026-06-05.
  130. ^ MacLellan, Julie (2018-12-27). "Looking back at 2018: 10 people who made an impact in the arts in New West". New West Record. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  131. ^ "Home". Velvet Steele. Retrieved 2019-12-29.
  132. ^ Wangersky, Nick (2018-10-25). "My Name Was January: Review". Hollywood North Magazine. Retrieved 2019-12-28.
  133. ^ "Moving Images Distribution: My Name Was January". Moving Images Distribution. Retrieved 2019-09-27.
  134. ^ My Name Was January, retrieved 2019-09-27
  135. ^ "Struggles of South Asian gays and lesbians documented in new film". Surrey Now-Leader. 2019-12-05. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  136. ^ Smith, Janet (2022-08-12). "Stir Q&A: Emergence explores the struggle to come out in South Asian community, at Vancouver Queer Film Festival". Stir. Retrieved 2026-06-05.
  137. ^ "Emergence: Out of the Shadows". Knowledge Network. Retrieved 2026-06-05.
  138. ^ "Emergence: Out of the Shadows". Emergence. Retrieved 2019-12-28.
  139. ^ "National Screen Institute names 21 participants selected for NSI Business for Producers". National Screen Institute - Canada. 2020-10-26. Archived from the original on 2021-02-26. Retrieved 2021-02-22.
  140. ^ "Emergence: Out of the Shadows makes world premiere and begins festival run this month". National Screen Institute - Canada. 2021-09-08. Archived from the original on 2021-09-09. Retrieved 2021-09-09.
  141. ^ "LGBTQ+ documentary feature Emergence: Out Of The Shadows to be screened at South Asian Film Festival of Montreal". Cinestaan. Archived from the original on 2021-12-06. Retrieved 2021-12-06.
  142. ^ Dunn, Bryen. "Emergence: Out of the Shadows - follows the journey of three queer South Asians". theBUZZ. Retrieved 2026-06-05.
  143. ^ "Cultural advocacy takes flight for freedom. Come explore stories of freedom and inclusion from Canada at the KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival". Government of Canada. 2022-06-01. Retrieved 2026-06-05.
  144. ^ Menon, Priya (2021-12-04). "Reel Desires: Ninth edition of Chennai international queer film festival to showcase 16 films from eight countries". The Times of India. Retrieved 2021-12-06.
  145. ^ "About Frameline". Frameline. Retrieved 2022-07-02.
  146. ^ "Meeting Alex Sangha: film producer and founder of Sher Vancouver". BC Creates. 2023-06-01. Retrieved 2024-09-07.
  147. ^ "Emergence: Out of the Shadows". TVO Today. Retrieved 2026-06-05.
  148. ^ "Emergence: Out of the Shadows". Knowledge Network. Retrieved 2026-06-05.
  149. ^ Smith, Charlie (2023-10-24). "Vinay Giridhar and Alex Sangha take home another award for illuminating LGBTQ+ documentary Emergence: Out of the Shadows". Pancouver. Retrieved 2025-08-08.
  150. ^ "Vinay Giridhar". IMDb. Retrieved 2024-09-07.
  151. ^ "Meeting Alex Sangha: film producer and founder of Sher Vancouver". BC Creates. 2023-06-01. Retrieved 2024-09-07.
  152. ^ a b c "Sundar Prize Film Festival". FilmFreeway. Retrieved 2026-06-04.
  153. ^ a b Duong, Vicki (2024-06-03). "Inaugural Sundar Prize Film Festival reveals lineup". The Georgia Straight. Retrieved 2026-06-04.
  154. ^ "Sher Vancouver accepting submissions for Sundar Prize and Festival". Delta Optimist. 2023-01-10. Retrieved 2026-06-04.
  155. ^ Barcellos, Kai (2023-02-23). "The first Sundar Prize opens submissions for films with social impact". The Runner. Retrieved 2026-06-04.
  156. ^ "VFS Alumni Lead Sundar Prize Mentorship Program". Vancouver Film School. 2025-02-05. Retrieved 2026-06-04.
  157. ^ Glassman, Rachel (2024-05-24). "Art as activism". UBC Magazine. Retrieved 2025-09-02.
  158. ^ "The Stories That Go Unheard". London School of Economics. Retrieved 2025-09-02.
  159. ^ "Alex Sangha". Documentary Organization of Canada. 2021-06-28. Retrieved 2026-06-05.
  160. ^ "Gay Indo-Canadian activist receives Queen's medal". Xtra. 2013-02-24. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  161. ^ Thomas, Stacy (2014-05-05). "Vancouver Pride Legacy Awards honour community leaders". Xtra. Retrieved 2026-06-14.
  162. ^ "32 BC community achievers honoured with community awards" (PDF). BC Achievement Foundation. 2016-05-16. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  163. ^ "Meet Vancouver's 2016 Pride grand marshals". Xtra. 2016-07-08. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  164. ^ "He Just Made History As Vancouver Pride's First Sikh Grand Marshal". HuffPost Canada. 2016-08-01. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  165. ^ D'Souza, Petrina (2017-01-25). "DARPAN's Newsmaker of 2016: Alex Sangha". DARPAN Magazine. Retrieved 2026-06-05.
  166. ^ McIntyre, Gordon (2018-05-30). "Social worker given medal for advocacy in South Asian LGBTQ community". Vancouver Sun. Retrieved 2020-01-19.
  167. ^ Wells, V. S. (2018-05-30). "Alex Sangha, founder of Sher Vancouver, honoured with Meritorious Service Medal". The Georgia Straight. Retrieved 2026-06-14.
  168. ^ "2020 Paul Cheng Memorial Lecture". University of British Columbia School of Social Work. 2021-09-13. Retrieved 2026-06-14.
  169. ^ "Alex Sangha uplifts and empowers people of all unique identities through social activism and storytelling". Vancouver Is Awesome. Retrieved 2021-09-09.
  170. ^ "Douglas College Foundation and Alumni Relations awards $35,000 to alumni embodying global citizenship". Douglas College. 2023-04-13. Retrieved 2026-06-14.
  171. ^ Smith, James (2024-09-19). "Three from North Delta awarded King Charles III Coronation Medals". North Delta Reporter. Retrieved 2025-08-12.
  172. ^ "Awards of Impact: Strengthening Safety Award Winner, Alex Sangha". DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society. 2025-10-17. Retrieved 2026-06-14.
  173. ^ "Deltans receive DIVERSEcity Awards of Impact". Delta Optimist. 2025-09-25. Retrieved 2026-06-14.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 unless otherwise noted. Additional terms may apply for the media files.