Messages of Solidarity

Globally, LGBTQI+ people face persecution, violence, and displacement simply for being who they are. As anti-LGBTQI+ and anti-immigrant sentiment continues to rise, community connections are more vital than ever.

Across borders, LGBTQI+ people are rising up against our oppression. Refugees, activists, community members, and allies are fighting back by: demanding protection, challenging injustice, and building a future where no one is forced to flee because of who they are. In every way, in every place, our existence is resistance.

Read the messages of support from community members like you around the world, and submit your own as a beacon of hope and strength for those who need it most.

“I stand with you in solidarity, inspired by your courage, resilience, and authenticity. To me, solidarity means recognizing your inherent worth and celebrating the vibrant diversity you bring to our world. I believe in a future where every person can love, express themselves, and live freely without fear or discrimination. Your strength lights the way for a more inclusive, compassionate society. Know that your struggles and triumphs are seen, heard, and deeply valued. I am with you, today and always, committed to supporting your fight for equality and justice.” – Olivier, Canada

“I stand with you because YOU are important and your existence matters. Your happiness and your ability to thrive is important to me and I want you to know people across the world, perfect strangers, love you and want you happy, healthy, and in a world where you feel you belong.” – Pami, Michigan, United States

“Queerness at this moment in history presents a soul-breaking paradox. We are beautifully stochastic – that is, we appear randomly in the population, like the wildflowers of humanity. We are in every town and city, in every province and state, and in every country, and on every continent. Where there are people, there are queer and trans people. And so often, historically and now, we have been the helpers, the healers, and the dreamers of our little worlds. But this world is not ready for us, not yet, not everywhere. And until then, people like us will be forced to live in hiding, or on the run. Those of us who won the lottery of place have the power to do something about this, and with great power comes great responsibility. Solidarity to me means recognizing our interconnectedness, and wielding place-based privilege to fight for those of us who are still under attack. None of us are free until all of us are free.” – Drew Heckman, Chicago, United States

“It is a tremendously difficult time to watch world news surrounding LGBTQI+ rights; I can only imagine how much more difficult it is to live in amplified contexts of homophobia and transphobia. I am thinking of my LGBTQI+ kin around the world: those displaced, those who choose to stay, those who do not have options around relocating, those finding joy in these times, and those who feel invisible. I know that you’re there and that all of your identities are beautiful.” – Syd Gilchrist, Toronto, Canada

“We are with you. You are not alone in this struggle for peace and justice and equality” – Anonymous

“We are human beings, and human beings have a long history of doing hard things. Stay with it.” – Matthew Elmslie, Ottawa, Canada

“Solidarity is the bravery and confidence to stand united against oppression , even when it does not target you specifically. I am an ally, but I don’t take that lightly. No matter how hateful and stupid the world around you might be, there are people who will never meet you—but will die on your hill because you deserve unequivocal support. I will never back down in supporting the LGBTQ community.” – Alex G, Winnipeg, Canada

“Solidarity is our strength. To my LGBTQI+ siblings around the world: You are not alone. In a world that often tries to silence us, our resilience is our greatest act of defiance. As a queer refugee and activist, I stand with you in the fight for safety, dignity, and freedom. No one should be forced to flee because of who they are, and together, we will create a future where love and identity are never a crime. Your existence is resistance. Your voice matters. We are in this together—across borders, beyond oppression, and toward liberation.” – Kyazze arnold, Kajiado, North Kenya

“Across borders, we LGBTQI+ refugees are fighting for our survival. We are forced to flee our homes, leaving behind our dreams, families, and everything we once knew—only to face more danger, uncertainty, and fear. Yet, even in the darkest moments, we hold onto hope. To everyone at risk, to those hiding in fear, to those waiting for safety: You are not alone. We see you. We hear you. And we will keep fighting for a world where no one is persecuted for who they are or who they love. Rainbow Railroad and allies around the world, your support is more than just words—it is a lifeline. Every act of solidarity brings us closer to freedom. Please, keep standing with us. Keep amplifying our voices. Keep daring to resist.” -Nasratullah, Pakistan

 

“At KNESWO, we stand in unwavering solidarity with LGBTQI+ people everywhere—especially queer refugees who face discrimination, displacement, and violence. Our fight is not just for survival but for dignity, justice, and the right to exist without fear. We refuse to be erased. We refuse to be silenced. Together, we are building a movement that defies oppression, demands protection, and envisions a future where no one is forced to flee because of who they are. To every LGBTQI+ person seeking safety and recognition: You are not alone. KNESWO stands with you. Our existence is resistance, and together, we will rise.” – Kajiado North for Empowerment and Social Welfare Outreach (KNESWO), Ongata rongai, Kenya 

“Solidarity means standing together, even when the world tries to push us apart. It means amplifying voices that have been silenced, fighting for dignity where it’s been denied, and ensuring no one is left behind. To my LGBTQI+ family around the world ,our existence is powerful, our love is valid, and our dreams matter. I stand with you because equality is not a privilege; it’s a right. Because justice isn’t justice unless it includes all of us. No matter where you are, you are seen, you are valued, and you are never alone. Together, we rise.” – Henry Wackam Homsi, South Africa

“To my fellow displaced LGBTQI+ Siblings, activists, asylum seekers and Refugees across the world, I see you, I hear you, and I stand with you. As a minor LGBTQ activist and transgender feminist who faced displacement for who am today , I understand the pain of being forced to leave home due to who you are. But I want you to know that you and I are loved, valued, and respected. Our existence matters, and there are people fighting tirelessly for our rights and dignity. Don’t give up hope. Keep fighting, and know that you’re not alone. I send my love, support, and care to each of you. Together, we’ll rise above the challenges and create a world where everyone can live freely and authentically. Solidarity forever.” – Mandy Jovial, Johannesburg, South Africa 

“To my LGBTQIA+ family around the world I see you. I feel your pain. I know your fear. Because I have lived it too. I am a non-binary asylum seeker in Kenya. My journey has been one of survival of running from uganda a home that no longer saw me as human, of enduring unimaginable hardship in Qatar, and of struggling every day in a foreign land that still does not recognize my right to exist. I have been rejected, hunted, and stripped of my dignity simply because of who I am. But through all the darkness, I have learned one truth, we are not broken They have tried to erase us, to silence us, to make us feel small. But look at us we are still here. We are still fighting. We are still loving. To every LGBTQIA+ person living in fear, hiding in silence, or searching for a safe place to call home like me, I want you to know this: you are not alone.Your existence is a revolution. Your life has meaning. Even when the world turns its back on us, we have each other. No border, no law, no act of hate can erase our truth. We will keep resisting. We will keep loving. And together, we will build a world where no one has to flee just to be free. With all my love” – Bob Anderson, Kenya

“Strength and Solidarity. To my LGBTQI+ family around the world: Your existence is powerful. Your voice is unstoppable. In the face of persecution, displacement, and injustice, we continue to rise. We are more than our struggles—we are a force of resilience, courage, and love. As a queer refugee, I know what it means to fight for safety, dignity, and belonging. But I also know that we are not alone. Across borders and beyond oppression, we stand together. No one should be forced to flee because of who they are. No one should have to justify their right to exist. To those who feel unseen or unheard: I see you, I stand with you, and I will continue to fight alongside you. Our existence is resistance, and together, we will build a world where we are free.” – Ssali henry Bengo, Nairobi, Kenya 

“This is a time of so much fear and hatred, but the queer community is strong, united, and full of love for one another. We are gonna get through this, together.” – Cassidy R, Washington, United States

“Together we will achieve all our dreams. Don’t give up. Move one foot forward and then the next.” – Shane, United States

“Solidarity means showing up for each other—always. As LGBTQI+ people, we know what it means to be targeted, to be brave, and to keep going anyway. None of us should be forced to flee because of who we are, and yet too many of us are. I stand with our global community because our lives matter, our voices are powerful, and we deserve to live freely and safely—everywhere. Even across borders, we are one family. We are not alone, and we will not be silenced.” – Brandon Berish, Montreal, Canada

“Solidarity Message for the LGBTQ+ Community: To our beloved LGBTQ+ community, We stand with you in solidarity, love, and unwavering support. Your existence is valid, your love is beautiful, and your rights are human rights. No one should face discrimination, violence, or fear for simply being who they are. The fight for equality and dignity continues, and together, we will create a world where everyone can live authentically and without fear. You are not alone—there is strength in unity, and your voice” – Anonymous

“To all LGBTQI+ community! As radical nationalist encouraging people to hate us. We must encourage people to love us and we love them Our love got no border and we ask others to participate in our campaign to break the stupid borders created by stupid politicians!” – Christopher

“Stay strong. No one can ever remove from you your precious birthright to be who you are. Be wise. Protect yourself from those who would do you harm–use your eyes, ears, and senses to know what is best for you. Be patient. Rights don’t get recognized or protected overnight–but hearts and minds can and do get changed. Keep loving. No one can ever claim your heart or force you to love whom you don’t.” – Lance Weisser, Kamloops, Canada

“Solidarity means standing with those who have been forced to flee, those who have been silenced, and those who continue to fight for their right to exist. As a gay person displaced by the Taliban, I know what it means to lose a home simply for being who you are. Living in Pakistan, I face uncertainty every day, but I hold onto hope because of the strength of our global LGBTQI+ community. Solidarity is knowing we are not alone, that others see our struggle and stand beside us. I am grateful for organizations like Rainbow Railroad, which work to protect and support people like me. I stand with LGBTQI+ people everywhere because our fight for safety, dignity, and freedom is shared. No one should have to hide or live in fear. Together, we are unbreakable, and together, we will build a world where we all belong.” – Anonymous

“Solidarity means the world to me I love to work with lbgtqi people are my family” – Hordick Miller, Kingston, Jamaica 

“Solidarity means standing together, no matter where we are in the world. It’s about recognizing our shared struggles, celebrating our identities, and fighting for each other’s right to exist freely and safely. I stand with LGBTQI+ people because no one should have to hide who they are or live in fear. In a world that often tries to erase or silence us, solidarity is resistance—it’s lifting each other up, protecting the most vulnerable, and refusing to let hate win. No matter the distance, you are not alone.” – Basil, Karaganda, Kazakhstan

“You matter to me; in all of your true self. I will offer you a safe place to live until you can catch your breath. I will listen with no judgment; I have no right to judge. I call out injustice when I see it. You are important.” – May, Brighton, Canada

“Times are scary, but there are more out queer people than ever before, and I have a lot of hope for the future that is validated by the love and support of the people around me. It may not seem like it, but weare everywhere, and we’ve come too far to stop now. Just remember that even if the people around you aren’t validating your gender and/or sexual identity, it is valid.” – Aubrey, Toledo, United States

“In our world, so many people are still feeling alone somewhere in the corner of the world, and asking for help to find them and take them with us, so they can also live their lives with the people who accept them, as what they are, never judgments, and keep them alive openly so they can breathe well, I am one of them and my partner too, thanks for our rainbow family who is helping and give them best to encourage people and made them to having faith that one day our rainbow family comes and take them away from where they are facing issues🙏” – Akshay joshi, Kampala, Uganda

“To my queer survivors, my community, my family that the world gave to me, I stand with you, not only in our struggles but in the beauty of our resilience. The world may try to push us, to silence us, but we rise, time and time again. I know the weight of injustice all too well, yet it does not define us. We are the dreamers, the lovers and the fighters, the ones who refuse to be erased. To the the fighters on the ground, the fighters in Home, the fighters online, and the fighters everywhere, Know this: your story, your presence, matters. No matter how hard the fight gets, remember you are never alone. The strength within us is unstoppable. We will continue to fight, to resist, and to love now and always. keep loving, and keep fighting for us, for each other, for the future.” – Breez Bourawi, Turkey

“Well, in this “closing world”, where countries are closing their borders through either deploying massive military on the borders or tightening up their immigration policies, SOLIDARITY means advocating for safe pathways especially for the marginalized for example Trans refugees. They flee their home countries, end up in refugee camps, face more violence there that they’re forced to flee to even risky countries like South Sudan which is politically unstable. To Trans people, lesbians, and refugee womxn around the world but mostly in Kakuma Refugee Camp and Gorom Settlement, Canada is in SOLIDARITY with you all.” – John Lucretia, Winnipeg, Canada

“LGBTQ+ people must unite and stay united to resist oppression and be caring of each other.” – Roger Bell, Woodstock, United States

“As the gay grandchild of immigrants who fled persecution, I stand with you. As a resident of a welcoming city, Chicago, whose vibrancy derives from the diversity of hundreds of different cultures, I stand with you. As a survivor of a generation that saw unbridled love defeat unbridled hate during the AIDS epidemic, I stand with you. As a member of a “Community of Care” that recently welcomed a gay refugee from El Salvador through a program of Rainbow Railroad, I stand with you. As a grateful member of the board of Rainbow Railroad who bears witness to the relentless work of so many incredible people to bring LGBTQI+ people to safety, I stand with you. You are not alone and together, we will rise.” – Bruce Koff, Chicago, United States

“Being a queer refugee has been incredibly tough, but it’s also given me a chance to find community while starting over. This is what solidarity means to me. It’s the unconditional support from my chosen queer family, the warm smiles from community members, the loving ways in which allies show up for me, and the reminder that, despite missing my loved ones in Ecuador, there’s always hope.” – Jorge, Toronto, Canada

“I see you. I feel your struggles, your triumphs, and your dreams. I know how heavy the weight of simply existing can be, yet you continue to stand tall. Together, we create spaces where love wins, where voices are heard, and where hope thrives. No matter where you are in your journey, know that I am with you, standing beside you in solidarity and love. Our fight is far from over, but together, we are unbreakable. You are loved, valued, and worthy…ALWAYS.” – Kendra Frith, Virginia, United States

“Connecting with and supporting LGBTQI+ people helps everyone. This solidarity enables individuals to come out, become visible, and promote human rights for our community.” – Keith, United States

“I grew up a closeted trans girl in the 1990s, hearing that people like me were the other: perverts, predators, prey, victims. Never people with inner lives – never something I could be – never something anyone would want to be. It took me 20 years and moving two countries before I got to see trans people living happy lives out and free, to see queer joy for the first time, to come out myself, to live my own truth and find my own joy.We make that possible with our blood and tears, by living our truth where people can see us, by sticking by each other and keeping each other safe. Some want to drag us all back into the past, drain our colour from the world, and I will not let them. I will not make a trans kid, a queer kid, wait 20 years to know joy.” – Aline Bee, Ottawa, Canada

“To every LGBTQI+ person facing persecution: You are not alone. Your existence is powerful, your identity is valid, and your courage inspires so many around the world. No one should ever have to flee their home just to live authentically, and we will keep fighting for a future where safety, dignity, and love know no borders. You deserve protection, justice, and a life free from fear. We see you, we stand with you, and we will never stop advocating for your rights. Stay strong. You are loved.” – Abdulghani Elmi, Cyberjaya, Malaysia

“Let’s own our power.” – Sara, Toronto, Canada 

“Our strength lies in our unity. Across continents and cultures, the 2SLGBTQIA+ community shares a bond that transcends borders. Every voice raised in love and defiance strengthens the collective spirit of resistance, resilience, and pride. Global queer solidarity means standing together in the face of injustice, celebrating the diversity within our community, and amplifying voices that have been silenced. It’s the shared understanding that an attack on one of us is an attack on all of us. It’s holding space for one another, lifting each other up, and daring to dream of a world where love and identity know no fear. Together, we are unstoppable—a global network of love, courage, and unapologetic authenticity. Let’s rise as one, because when we stand in solidarity, we are unbreakable. 🏳️‍🌈” – Tina Garnett, Canada

“You deserve to live free and happy.” – Anonymous

“Solidarity with the LGBTQI community means so much more than just support from the sidelines or one month of the year—it’s a deep and active commitment to equality, justice, and overall human dignity. To me, it means standing up and speaking out about the fight against discrimination and violence in whatever capacity I’m able to. It means educating myself while using my privilege and platforms to amplify voices that are quieter or silenced. Solidarity is action even when it’s difficult or uncomfortable, and contributing to a safer and more inclusive world.” – Jax Irwin, Toronto, Canada

“Solidarity is visibility. From big gestures like attending Pride events, lobbying governments, tackling homophobia head on, to the more subtle, like wearing a rainbow bracelet, feeling bold enough to hold your partner’s hand in public, or even demanding a double bed at a hotel check in when singles are offered ‘instead’… The more visible we are, the more we force important conversations about our community – vital conversations – conversations that need to be had to effect progressive change. When we do nothing and stay silent, that’s when we allow bigots to win because their goal is to silence us and to prove that we do not exist!” – Stefan Arestis, London, UK

“Now more than ever we need to stand up and be heard.. no more hiding in the shadows! Our voices are valid Our love is the same Our relationships and partnerships are Equal…. LOVE IS LOVE ….. STAND UP & Be PROUD….. PRIDE WINS 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈” – David, Ireland 

“To me, solidarity has to have a top down approach, which means that we must take care of those of us who are in the most immediate danger. We are not safe until all of us are safe.” – Gabe Dunn, Los Angeles, California

“Everybody has the right to live how he/she want and love whom he/she want to love” – Josef Langer, Vienna, Austria

“To me, solidarity means unconditional love and understanding for everyone and being in support of absolutely everyone living a happy, safe life, no matter who they are or where in the world they come from. I stand with LGBTQIA+ people and know that we deserve to be safe and respected anywhere, and when this sadly doesn’t happen, we deserve help and the right to move to a more accepting place. Everyone deserves safety, no matter how they are different.” – Isabella, North East England, United Kingdom