Editor,
I recently encountered someone claiming I benefited from being a diversity hire. My response was simple: how could I be a diversity hire when no one hired me for a significant part of my life? I never had the advantages of white privilege or a silver spoon as a child. Everything I’ve accomplished, I’ve built from the ground up.
I founded Sher Vancouver, a charity supporting queer South Asians and their allies, and created the Sundar Prize Film Festival, a platform celebrating films that inspire social change. I’ve produced two award-winning documentaries and am working on my third feature film. In addition to these endeavours, I run a successful counselling practice.
No one hired me because I am a Punjabi Sikh, gay and bipolar. If anything, my diversity has been a barrier rather than a benefit throughout my life. But I didn’t let that stop me — I created my opportunities. These social enterprises result from my hard work, determination and resilience; no one can take that personal effort away from me.
Alex Sangha, recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal from the Governor General of Canada
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