03/12/2025
As we head into Nowruz, I want to share that after eight unforgettable years as Executive Director of Raha, I will be retiring at the end of June 2025.
But before the sentimental stuff, I’d love to see everyone at our Nowruz Party! Let’s celebrate, connect, and make more unforgettable memories.
This is one of the hardest posts I’ve ever had to write. Nearly 13 years ago, this movement was just a dream—a hope that we could create a space where being Iranian and LGBTQ+ wasn’t something to hide, but something to celebrate. And now, here we are, stronger than ever.
There are career opportunities and personal projects I’ve been meaning to work on for a while, and they are finally coming to fruition. I want to make sure I can embrace them fully. But more than anything, I feel like I’m stepping into a new chapter, one that I’m both excited for and a little nervous about. Because the truth is, Raha has been my heart and soul for so long, and saying goodbye is not easy.
Looking back, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. When we started, people in our community barely spoke about being LGBTQ. Today, I see members openly celebrating their relationships, engagements, and marriages on social media. I see parents, once hesitant, now speaking with pride about their children, encouraging them to live their most authentic lives. What started as an idea has turned into something so real, so powerful—a true Iranian LGBTQ community here in Southern California and beyond.
I couldn’t have done this alone. To the founding board members who believed in this vision and every single board member, volunteer, and supporter who joined us along the way—you made this possible. Because of you, we’ve built something that goes beyond an organization. We’ve built a movement.
Together, we’ve created more than 150 programs and some incredible moments: Our Therapeutic and Peer Support Groups with Mastaneh Moghadam; The Women’s Group at Raha; our Visibility campaign; a featured organization in Stonewall 50/World Pride 2019; hosting Persia After Hours at the Getty Center; starting a San Francisco chapter; our annual get togethers (Nowruz, Yalda, Mehregan); and now, marching in World Pride, D.C. Every one of these accomplishments reflects the love and dedication of this community.
I am so thankful for every person who showed up to our events, volunteered their time, shared their stories, and helped our movement grow. To my friends and family who stood by me, and my dad who supported me by attending our events and making our LGBTQ family a part of his family, to our collaborators who stood by us and to our Board of Directors and members who supported me through the rough times—I will cherish what you’ve done for me and for Raha.
I will miss this work deeply—the creativity, the impact, and the joy of watching our community thrive. But what gives me peace is knowing that we have built something lasting. The movement will continue and grow. And even though I’m stepping down, I will always be here, cheering from the sidelines, celebrating every success.
Thank you for allowing me to be part of this journey. I wasn’t alone in this—we did it together. And for that, I will always be grateful.
Fondly,
Shervin Khorramian
