Lee Blair, a romance author and anthology organizer based in Portland, Oregon, never expected a love of queer romance to inspire a movement in support of LGBTQI+ people around the world. But through Candy Hearts, a charity romance anthology she founded, Lee has helped turn stories of queer joy into tangible support for LGBTQI+ refugees, raising awareness and more than $11,000 in funds for Rainbow Railroad in the process.
Lee first learned about Rainbow Railroad in 2024, when fellow Candy Hearts author Beck Grey suggested the organization as the beneficiary for the anthology’s second volume. “I wasn’t familiar with Rainbow Railroad prior to that,” Lee says, “but I’m so glad they made the suggestion so I now know about the amazing work you do.” What began as a recommendation quickly became a values-aligned partnership. In 2025, Candy Hearts: Volume 2, which features original stories from 24 queer romance authors, donated all proceeds to Rainbow Railroad.
Transforming Global Reach into a Movement for International Solidarity
Choosing Rainbow Railroad was intentional. While Candy Hearts has a largely North American readership, its contributing authors span the globe. Lee wanted the anthology’s impact to reflect that reach. “Rainbow Railroad’s mission and values was such a natural fit for the impact we wanted to make,” she explains.
What keeps Lee coming back is the tangible difference Rainbow Railroad makes. She has continued the partnership with Candy Hearts: Volume 3, now available, with all proceeds supporting Rainbow Railroad through March 31, 2026. “As much as I wish organizations like this weren’t necessary,” Lee says, “I’m so glad Rainbow Railroad is here to make a difference and help people find the safety and security they deserve.
Harnessing the Power of Queer Joy
Seeing the impact of her fundraising is deeply emotional for Lee. Romance, particularly low-angst romance that is lighthearted in tone, is often dismissed as unserious, she notes. Yet these stories, centered on queer love and acceptance, have helped make a real difference for LGBTQI+ refugees. “Watching our low-angst stories make a direct impact on supporting LGBTQI+ refugees is incredible,” she says. “It truly makes me emotional.”
That impact is personal, too. After coming to terms with her own queerness later in life, Lee sees Candy Hearts as a way to give back. “To be able to use stories of romance and queer joy to support community members in trouble means the world to me.”
Lee believes individuals and communities have a critical role to play through donations, advocacy, sharing platforms, and supporting organizations. Her message to LGBTQI+ people seeking safety is simple and powerful: “You are strong. You are worth safety. You are valuable and important.”
And for those considering supporting Rainbow Railroad for the first time, Lee doesn’t hesitate: “Do it. Supporting Rainbow Railroad means they can use our collective resources in powerful ways we could never achieve alone.”