Sher Vancouver / About Us

ABOUT US	SHER VANCOUVER
Sher Vancouver is based out of Vancouver, B.C. but people from all over the world are welcome to join. Sher offers peer support, social activities, information, referral and outreach presentations. Sher would like to help inform, educate and bring about more acceptance and understanding Everyone is welcome to join Sher, regardless of ethnicity or sexuality Motto Strength & Diversity Mission To make people happy and to enlighten the public on issues of bullying, racism and homophobia. Vision To reduce the alienation, isolation, loneliness, depression and suicidal ideation of people dealing with sexuality, gender and coming out issues. Sher Vancouver's services will target the South Asian communities as well as their friends, families and allies. Values Mutual Respect Non-Judgemental Innovation Consensus Building	SHER means LION in Persian, but it is a common word in Punjab, India, and South Asia. Sher Vancouver evolved from a Sikh group to a Punjabi group to a South Asian group. The lion is an important symbol for Sikh and Punjabi people. All male Sikhs have the middle name Singh which means lion. All female Sikhs have the middle name Kaur which means Princess or Lioness. The great Maharaja Ranjit Singh of the Sikh Kingdom in Punjab was known as the Sher-e-Punjab or Lion of Punjab. Sher Vancouver represents courage, bravery, strength and pride.
	SERVICES
	Peer Support Sher Vancouver is planning regular drop-in’s to provide peer support to our members. Social Activities Sher Vancouver hosts approximately one social activity per month for our members and guests. Please join our Yahoo! Group and Facebook group to stay informed. Information Sher Vancouver has a Registered Social Worker on its team. He has numerous resources such as the Red Book that he can turn to, in order to provide you with excellent information on South Asian and LGBT issues. Referrals Please turn to the Resources section of this website for referrals to various resources. Outreach Please refer to the School Presentations section of this website that refers to the DOSTI project for further information.
	PEOPLE
	Ash Brar / Acting Moderator & Pride Coordinator Ash Brar was born in Makati, Manila, Phillipines. His family belonged to the first Punjabi settlers in the country. Ash graduated from a private Catholic school St. Mary's Academy in Pasay City. Ash was a born leader. He was elected President of the class from elementary school until high school graduation. Ash was a very bright and active student. Ash immigrated to B.C. when he was 17. In Canada, Ash completed his Graduation Equivalency Diploma and was awarded a "Citizenship Award" by the Delta School District. Ash also completed a Travel and Tourism Diploma. Currently, Ash is working towards his degree in university. Ash believes that everyone is created equal and no one should harbour animosity towards another. He was profiled in Xtra West as a "Youth Leader of the Future" like Harvey Milk, a gay activist (one of his role models). Ash was instrumental in launching the Sher Vancouver "Pride of Bollywood" float in the 2008 Vancouver Pride Parde. This float was the first South Asian entry of its kind in the parade, and attracted lots of media attention. This helped to created awareness in the South Asian community that there is a local South Asian LGBT group. Ash is an integral member of the Sher because he attracts a lot of new members and draws in a lot of energy, ideas and enthusiasm into Sher. Sher Vancouver created many opportunities for people to get involved and give back to the community. Ash makes a big difference in the community. He has a very supportive and loving family, friends and co-workers. Ash believes that what you are is God's gift to you and what you become is your gift to God. Parveen Khtaria / Social Coordinator Parveen was born in Nanaimo, and for most of her life, raised in Port Alberni on Vancouver Island. She spent all of her teenage years in foster care, and now at the age of 19 has aged out. She is currently studying at the British Columbia Institute of Technology in the field of Operations Management, and hopes to continue on with her education in the field of Child and Youth Care come September. Her career goal is to work in public service, making changes to policy and practice in the Ministry of Children and Family Development	January Marie Lapuz / Social Coordinator January Marie Lapuz was born in Santiago City, Isabela Province, Phillipines. She moved to British Columbia when she was 16. She was raised as a boy but became a transgendered girl when she was 17. Despite the fact that she experienced a lot of transphophia and discrimination, she stood up for herself and became a strong willed person. She is a survivor and a fighter. January is a graduate of LA Matheson Secondary School in North Surrey. Singing is one of January's passions. She has won numerous awards and has performed live at various venues in Downtown Vancouver including Celebrities and Odyssey night clubs. January has a very outgoing and bubbly personality. She helps to create a positive environment in Sher and keeps the members of the group laughing all the time. She is good emotional and therapeutic support for our members. January has experienced many difficult and diverse challenges in life but despite that she has overcome her barriers and moved forward. January's favorite quote is from Rupaul and it is "If you can't love yourself, how the hell are you gonna love somebody else...Can I get an Amen!" January also believes that if there is no venture, there is no gain! Enjoy Life because you never know what is going to happen. In 2008, January became the first transgendered women to become a member of the Sher Vancouver Board of Directors. Sher Vancouver creates opportunities for everyone, and Sher is proud to welcome January.