Sher Pride Relaunches Out and Proud Project to Celebrate and Empower Queer South Asian Voices

 

Surrey, BC – September 7, 2025 – Sher Pride is proud to announce the relaunch of the Out and Proud Project, a groundbreaking international storytelling initiative that uplifts and celebrates queer South Asian voices through personal interviews and essays.

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A Legacy of Representation

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First launched in 2013, the Out and Proud Project was created at a time when representation of queer South Asians was nearly invisible in mainstream culture. Its goal was simple yet transformative: to provide a safe platform for people to share their stories, in their own words, while building a global archive that reflects the resilience and diversity of the community.

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Using a reflective “Five Questions” format, the project captures candid insights into identity, culture, faith, family, and resilience. Over the years, it has featured a wide range of contributors — artists, activists, students, parents, professionals, and community builders — from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, India, and beyond. This diversity of perspectives highlights the intersections of race, gender, sexuality, migration, and spirituality, showcasing both the challenges and triumphs of queer South Asian lives.

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Healing for Storytellers, Hope for Readers

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The impact of the Out and Proud Project is twofold. For participants, it offers the chance to reclaim their narratives and speak openly in a safe and affirming space. Many describe the process as deeply healing and empowering — a way to validate their experiences, release shame, and connect with a broader community.

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For readers and audiences, the stories build empathy and understanding while breaking down stereotypes. They can serve as lifelines for those who feel isolated or unsure of their identity, and they provide insight and guidance for families, educators, and allies seeking to better support their loved ones. In sharing these personal journeys, the project creates ripples of hope that extend far beyond the individual storyteller.

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“Every story shared has the power to inspire countless others,” says Alex Sangha, Founder of Sher Pride and creator of the Out and Proud Project. “By relaunching this initiative, we are not only preserving these stories for future generations, but also reminding people today that they are not alone — that their truth is valid, and that their voice matters.”

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Building a Global Archive

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The relaunch of the Out and Proud Project marks an exciting new chapter. Sher Pride will expand the archive to include new contributors from around the world, building a living legacy of resilience, creativity, and courage. The project will continue to highlight the diversity of queer South Asian experiences and ensure these stories are accessible, visible, and celebrated.

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About Sher Pride

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Sher Pride, formerly known as Sher Vancouver, is a registered charity based in Metro Vancouver that supports LGBTQ+ South Asians and their friends and families through peer support, counselling, education, and cultural programming. Since its founding in 2008, Sher Pride has become a provincial and national resource committed to reducing isolation, fostering belonging, and celebrating diversity. Its initiatives include:

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• Peer Support and Crisis Counselling Programs

• The January Marie Lapuz Youth Leadership Award

• The award-winning documentaries My Name Was January and Emergence: Out of the Shadows

• The Sundar Prize Film Festival, an international showcase of films on social justice and human rights

• Safar with Pride, a Desi Queer Learning Hub launched in 2023

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Explore and Participate

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The Out and Proud Project is now live at https://www.outandproudproject.com/. Sher Pride invites community members, allies, and media to explore these inspiring stories, share them widely, and consider contributing their own voices to this growing movement.

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Media Contact:

Alex Sangha
Founder of Sher Pride
Email: info@sherpride.ca
Website: www.sherpride.ca
Out and Proud Project Website:  https://www.outandproudproject.com/