Today, queer and trans visibility is growing increasingly precarious: In the United States, the National Park Service temporarily removed the Pride flag at the Stonewall National Monument to comply with administrative regulations. In Russia, authorities fined and jailed locals for displaying rainbow-colored items. And in the private sector, corporations, institutions, and businesses have opted to reduce funding for Pride events, end sponsorships, and remove rainbow flags from their brick-and-mortars.
But despite this global retreat, organizers like Lelling are creatively fighting against anti-LGBTQI+ policies by creating virtual safe spaces for all to enjoy.
Lelling is one of the masterminds behind Tyria Pride, an annual online gaming event that raises funds for Rainbow Railroad. The Pride event gathers players from across the globe — including regions where same-sex relations are still criminalized — at Ebonhawke in the video game Guild Wars 2. Together, players gather to take part in an in-game Pride march towards the gates of Rata Sum in Metrica Province.
How Gathering Virtually Breeds Inclusivity
The virtual aspect of the game offers queer and trans people who may be hiding their true identity the freedom to discretely attend a Pride event. “Many people might be closeted or simply feel unsafe, so an online event like Tyria Pride can offer anonymity and privacy while still being able to connect with other queer people, and because it all happens in a video game, it doesn’t leave digital footprints like searching queer terms would,” says Lelling. “For many, it has been a doorway into exploring their queerness for the very first time.”
This June, Tyria Pride will be celebrating its 10-year anniversary. To run, the month-long celebration relies on the generosity of streamers, volunteers, artists, and gamers who are willing to contribute in-game prizes, and organize in-game events.
The power of community can be a moving experience. “It can be pretty overwhelming to see how far our fundraising has reached over the years, and to think about that effort turning into direct impact can be very emotional. It’s a very powerful and inspiring feeling,” says Lelling, who is queer.
They were inspired to start fundraising for Rainbow Railroad “in light of worsening trends for LGBTQI+ protections around the world.” That backsliding is reflected in the increased calls for help Rainbow Railroad received in 2025. More than 20,000 requests from individuals were submitted last year, marking the highest in the organization's history.
Despite the current state of the world, Lelling hopes that LGBTQI+ asylum seekers and refugees who need help remember that while they may feel alone, “there is an entire community of people out in the world that wants you to feel safe and loved.”
Rainbow Railroad relies on the support of amazing fundraisers, like Lelling, to continue our work. Consider rallying your community with the goal of helping queer and trans refugees, today.