Sher Vancouver Announces New Name — A Bold New Chapter for Growing Local Charity
- Sher Vancouver
- Oct 26
- 3 min read
Surrey, BC – January 1, 2026 – The Sher Vancouver LGBTQ Friends Society is proud to announce that its Board of Directors has unanimously voted to change its doing-business-as (DBA) name from Sher Vancouver to Sher Pride. This decision follows extensive consultation, during which over 92% of core operating team members voted in favour of the new name. Survey respondents described Sher Pride as dynamic, inclusive, and a fusion of Eastern, Western, and Queer cultures.
The change will take effect January 1, 2026, marking an exciting new beginning for the organization as it continues to expand its reach and impact across Metro Vancouver and beyond. The full legal name of the organization will remain Sher Vancouver LGBTQ Friends Society. The public facing DBA name will become Sher Pride.
“Sher Pride is a name that truly reflects who we are — courageous, inclusive, and proud,” said Alex Sangha, Founder of Sher Pride. “The word Sher means lion in many South Asian languages, representing strength, bravery, and pride — all qualities our community members embody as they face barriers related to sexuality, gender, and identity. After nearly 18 years as Sher Vancouver, this evolution represents a new era of growth and belonging.”
The new logo and brand identity, designed by celebrated local artist Jag Nagra, features the iconic Sher lion in a bold, contemporary design with subtle rainbow accents and purple lettering, symbolizing empowerment, unity, and pride.
“This change is much more than a new name — it’s a declaration of who we are and who we stand for,” said Annie Ohana, President of Sher Pride. “We are creating a home where queer, trans, and racialized people can be their full authentic selves. Sher Pride reflects both the love and the power of our community — a pride of lions standing together in strength and solidarity.”
Sher Pride remains a registered charity dedicated to saving lives, reducing isolation, and building community among queer South Asians and their allies. The organization delivers a wide range of arts, culture, and social service programs, including:
Mental Health Intake and Counselling Support
Peer Support Groups for youth, women, and adults
Crisis Support Fund providing emergency assistance for food, clothing, and transportation
Educational Film Screenings and the Sundar Prize Film Festival, celebrating social justice storytelling
Outreach Workshops to combat bullying, racism, and homophobia
Student Practicum and Mentorship Programs
Educational Resources – A Desi Queer Online Learning Hub
Together, these initiatives create safer spaces and pathways for empowerment, particularly for racialized, newcomer, and 2SLGBTQ+ youth.
With this transformation, Sher Pride reaffirms its mission to educate, empower, connect, and assist vulnerable individuals, while championing empathy, intersectionality, and social justice.
“This new chapter is about visibility and unity,” added Sangha. “Sher Pride will continue to roar louder for those who have been silenced — because every person deserves to feel safe, celebrated, and seen.”
About Sher Pride
Sher Pride is a registered charity based in Metro Vancouver that works to create safe, inclusive spaces for queer South Asians and their allies. Founded in 2008, the organization provides counselling, peer support, community engagement, and educational programs to reduce isolation, promote acceptance, and empower marginalized communities.
New Sher Pride Logo
Media Contact:Alex Sangha, FounderSher Pride (formerly Sher Vancouver)Recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal from the Governor General of Canada
Comments