We help at-risk LGBTQI+ people get to safety.

On June 6, kick off Pride season by joining us at the Royal Ontario Museum for an electrifying night of queer joy, resistance, and celebration at Rainbow Railroad’s 10th Freedom Party.

Charlie, a nonbinary 2D artist and animator from Russia, dreamed of Canada for nearly fifteen years. Initially, they imagined coming as a student, then later on a work visa. But as political and social realities in Russia became increasingly hostile toward LGBTQI+ people, they and their partner had to make a life-altering decision.

For Leila, being a woman means more than identity — it is about community and resilience. “It has been the feeling of being welcome, with yourself and among your sisters. Womanhood is solidarity, shared experiences, wisdom, and strength.”

Canada cannot, in good conscience, continue to turn away refugees at the Canada-U.S. border.

Life in Spain has given them their first taste of true freedom. One moment stands out: “For the first time, we held hands in public,” Savelii shares. “It still felt dangerous, and we were nervous. But we did it. And nothing happened. That was a moment we’ll never forget.”

As the new U.S. government takes shape, we are bracing for an uphill fight to defend the safety and dignity of at-risk LGBTQI+ refugees and asylum seekers. This new era of leadership threatens to erode the progress LGBTQI+ and immigrant rights groups have made in securing pathways to protection for LGBTQI+ refugees.

A nation that prides itself on justice and compassion must not allow vulnerable populations to become victims of a misleading, dangerous and divisive narrative in the face of complex socio-economic challenges.

Rainbow Railroad calls on the Government of Canada to take action and maintain its commitment to LGBTQI+ refugees and asylum seekers.