Identity Meets Impact: My Experience as a Queer Refugee Intern

As part of Rainbow Railroad’s efforts to better respond to LGBTQI+ refugees’ resettlement needs, we launched a Queer Refugee Internship Program for refugees who have an interest in contributing their lived expertise to the global forced displacement response. Our program provides a unique opportunity for refugees to gain vital work experience, learn new skills, and connect with professionals while elevating the voices of queer refugees. 

We’re highlighting the stories of individuals who were part of the Queer Refugee Internship Program’s most recent cohort. In this post, a recent QRI shares his experience on both the Communications and Engagement teams. 

I’m a proud queer Afro-Caribbean man. These intersectional identities don’t automatically guarantee open acceptance in many societies; unfortunately, this can lead to one ‘performing’ heteronormativity or shrinking oneself to access certain opportunities, particularly employment, especially when an individual expresses themselves androgynously.

With a passion for queer rights, I leapt at the opportunity to work for an organization whose values so seamlessly aligned with mine. During the spring and summer of 2025, I interned with the Communications team at Rainbow Railroad. It was a wonderful opportunity to apply my years of experience in digital marketing.

I was enthused to be tasked with online community management for the organization while applying data analytics to support communications strategy and staying abreast of relevant global news for media reports.

During Pride, I supported the management of the organization’s social media channels and tracked online fundraising. I personally designed the placards used during the All Out Rally for 2SLGBTQ+ rights. It was a proud and pivotal point in my career, one in which I made the choice to publicly align myself with an organization that champions queer rights unapologetically. I also had the opportunity to engage with donors, influencers, volunteers, staff, and community members during the annual Rainbow Railroad Freedom Party.

I attribute my success on the Communications team to my colleagues who welcomed me with open arms and supported any ideas, suggestions, or proposals I brought to meetings.

For the first time, I produced my own fundraiser for Rainbow Railroad within my online community. I was generously encouraged by a colleague on the Development team to undertake this venture in a way that felt most authentic to me. I was able to use storytelling to highlight the important work that Rainbow Railroad does and humanize those who benefit from our services and support, and I’m grateful to have been successful in that effort.

In the fall, the Engagement team extended an offer for me to join them as the Mobilization Intern & Communications Liaison. I didn’t hesitate to return and expand my skills within an organization whose work continues to fulfill me.

This role allowed me to learn more about post-resettlement programming including Community Support Teams, the Community Access Fund, the Housing and Livelihood Assistance Fund, the Queer Refugee Internship (of which I was a part), and the Queer Refugee Ambassador program across Canada and the U.S.

With the guidance of my team I took part in outreach to help form Toronto’s first Community Support Team: a group of volunteers who commit to providing community integration support to an LGBTQI+ asylum seeker. It was truly enriching to see community members so willing to give back and be of service to newcomers.

I also identified various organizations whose missions closely aligned with Rainbow Railroad and conducted outreach to propose partnerships in developing Community Support Teams in Toronto. I was successful in securing potential partners and paving the way for these relationships moving into 2026.

This initiative was further strengthened by attending the Voices for Change Conference 2025, hosted by Hope for Refugees International (HRI). It was an excellent opportunity to network and connect with fellow attendees and organizations.

I’m very proud to have been part of a team that began the groundwork and laid the foundation for what will become many Community Support Teams across the GTA.

My work experience at Rainbow Railroad is a testament to what happens when hard work and dedication meet opportunity. Working for Rainbow Railroad fostered a deep sense of belonging, particularly for my queer identity. These internships allowed me to contribute to an organization whose values truly align with mine.