Skip to content

Our Mission

We help at-risk LGBTQI+ individuals get to safety around the world. 

See our mission in action here


Our Mission Our Mission
What we do

What we do

Rainbow Railroad is a global not-for-profit organization that helps at-risk LGBTQI+ people get to safety worldwide. Based in the United States and Canada, we’re an organization that helps LGBTQI+ people facing persecution based on their sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics. In a time when there are more displaced people than ever, LGBTQI+ people are uniquely vulnerable due to systemic, state-enabled homophobia and transphobia. These factors either displace them in their own country or prevent them from escaping harm. 

As a result of Rainbow Railroad, more LGBTQI+ individuals can access lives free from persecution, and ultimately, we envision a world where LGBTQI+ people can live lives of their choosing, free from persecution. 

Since our founding, we’ve helped over 13,000 LGBTQI+ individuals find safety through emergency relocation, crisis response, cash assistance, and other forms of assistance. Our story has received international media attention, including a feature on CBS 60 Minutes

History

History

Rainbow Railroad was founded in 2006 as a volunteer-run organization by a diverse group of LGBTQI+ activists and human rights defenders who wanted to do more to address the levels of violence LGBTQI+ people face worldwide. Our name harkens back to the Underground Railroad – a network of activists in the 19th century, who assisted Black folks escape enslavement in the American South. 

Rainbow Railroad scaled up its operations after receiving charitable status in Canada and the United States in 2013 and 2015 respectively.

How we work

How we work

There are currently 114 million displaced people around the world – the highest number since the end of the Second World War. We received over 15,000 requests for help in 2023 from LGBTQI+ people whose lives are in danger. While we cannot relocate everyone who reaches out to us, we offer a variety of programs to support individuals’ unique needs and circumstances. Working with partners on the ground, we get at-risk LGBTQI+ people to safety, worldwide. 

Where We Work

We work in all regions around the world, based in Canada and the United States. Our work is completed in partnership with a global network of activists and human rights defenders advocating for LGBTQI+ rights in countries around the world. The people we help are often experiencing police harassment, family violence, employment discrimination or forced conversion therapy. In some cases, they endure life-threatening attacks perpetrated by members of their families or communities. This year, we’ll resettle people from over 40 countries into over 20 different countries of safety around the world. 

Learn more about where we work and what we’ve done so far by reading our annual reports, found at the bottom of this page. 

Leadership

Leadership

We are a dedicated team of human rights defenders and advocates on the frontlines of the fight for global LGBTQI+ rights. Hailing from diverse professional and personal backgrounds, we are united in one mission: to help LGBTQI+ people internationally attain safety.

Annual Reports, Audited Financials & Strategic Plans

2023 Audited Financial Statements - Canada
2023
View Report
2023 Audited Financial Statements - USA
2023
View Report
2023 Annual Report
2023
View Report
2023-2026 Strategic Plan
2023
View Report
2022 Rainbow Railroad 990 - US Tax Form
2022
View Report
2022 Audited Financial Statements - Canada
2022
View Report
2022 Audited Financial Statements - USA
2022
View Report
2022 Annual Report
2022
View Report
2021 Annual Report
2021
View Report
2021 Audited Financial Statements - Canada
2021
View Report
Show More

Contact Us

General Inquiries

info@rainbowrailroad.org

Media Inquiries

media@rainbowrailroad.org

Donation Inquiries

donations@rainbowrailroad.org

Rainbow Railroad
401 Richmond Street West, Suite 360, Toronto, ON, M5V 3A8, Canada

Rainbow Railroad USA
575 5th Avenue, Unit 15-135, New York, NY, 10017, USA

Rainbow Railroad
401 Richmond Street West, Suite 360, Toronto, ON M5V 3A8, Canada
Rainbow Railroad USA
575 5th Avenue, Unit 15-135, New York, NY, 10017, USA
Contact Us