“I met Arsham about a year ago and since I first met him, I have been very inspired by his perseverance and his determination.” Barbara Hall, Chief Commissioner of the Ontario Human Rights Commission – January 27th 2007.
*** Areas of Specialty Queer Human Rights Refugee/Asylum/Immigration Communication and Lobbying Publication and Public Awareness Community Outreach Administration/Non-Profit Organization
*** Education Certificate of Web Design Program - 2007 CDI College, Toronto, Ontario
Training Workshop on United Nations Structures and Lobbying - 2006 Geneva, Switzerland
Veterinarian studies, Azad University (Incomplete) - 2005 Yasouj, Iran
Computer Science and Troubleshooting Training - 2004-2004 Shiraz, Iran
Certificate of Accounting and Financial Administration Workshop - 2001-2002 Shiraz, Iran
Fundamental Management and Business Administration Workshop - 1998-2002 Shiraz, Iran
Certificate of Completion of Studies at Matriculation Course and pre-University - 1997-1998 Shiraz, Iran
*** International Recognition and Media Pride Toronto Award - June 2008, Toronto For Excellence in Human Rights By Pride Toronto
Felipa De Souza Award - April 2008, New York Recognition for commitment to improving the human rights of Iranian queers. By International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission
Interviews and Documentaries Interviewed by CBC, CNN, BBC, Toronto Star, and other international media about achievements, human rights activities. Featured in two documentary films, the CBC's “Out in Iran” in 2007 and Parvez Sharma's “A Jihad for Love” in 2008.
*** Employment History Iranian Railroad for Queer Refugees (IRQR), Toronto, Since 2008 Executive Director
Eddie Bauer, Fairview Mall, Toronto, 2007-2008 Sales Associate
Iranian Queer Organization, 2006-2008 Executive Director
Persians Gay and Lesbian Organization, 2004-2006 Executive
Director
Green Line Computer, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 2002-2003 Export/Import Manager
*** International Community Service Activities Member of Victim Service Program Toronto, since 2010 The Victim Services Program of Toronto is an independent community agency which provides immediate crisis response to victims of crime and sudden tragic circumstance.
Founder and director of Neda online magazine, since January 2009 Neda is a monthly online magazine in Farsi which focuses on social and family issues affecting Iranian minorities.
Communications Coordinator of Iranian Homosexual Human Rights Council, since December 2008 This council champions the human rights of homosexuals in Iran. I worked with victims of abuse and those who have legal or social problems, helping them find housing and connect with their communities for support.
Founder and Executive Director of the Iranian Railroad for Queer Refugees, since October 2008 The IRQR provides support such as legal services, financial assistance, and resettlement services to refugees and immigrants leaving Iran because of persecution based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Member of advisory committee of the Hirschfeld-Eddy Foundation based in Berlin, since 2007 Through international networking and cooperation with partner organizations in the Global South and Eastern Europe, the HEF provides direct assistance for people being threatened. We support national and international human rights groups by providing information, raising public awareness and building alliances.
Director of cultural committee at the Iranian Association of University of Toronto, 2007-2008 My responsibilities were community outreach and event organizing.
Member of Rainbow Railroad group based in Toronto, since 2006 A group of Canadian politicians, public officials and activists meeting to help those people who need social and legal assistance.
Ambassador of Iran in the International Lesbian/Gay Cultural Network based in Stockholm, since 2006 The ILGCN tries to facilitate contact among organizations and individuals using culture as a powerful weapon against homophobia and silence.
Member of International Lesbian and Gay Association based in Brussels, since 2006 ILGA fights for the equality of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex people and their liberation from all forms of discrimination.
Founder and Executive Director of IRanian Queer Organization, 2006-2008 IRQO is my former organization which focused on queer human rights violation in Iran, replaced by Iranian Railroad for Queer Refugees.
Director of radio RAHA, since 2005 RAHA is an online weekly radio which has more than 60 programs, broadcasts in Turkey, the United States, Iran and Canada.
Founder of the first organization of Iranian queers, Persian Gay and Lesbian Organization in 2004
Founder of Rainbow Group Iran, in 2001
*** Languages Fluent in written
and spoken Farsi/Persian Fluent in written and spoken English Fluent
in spoken Turkish
