Issues

In Rainbow Railroad's pre-budget submission, we call on the government to solidify Canada’s legacy as a global LGBTQI+ rights leader.

In 2024, we deepened our commitment to organizing for crisis response by listening closely to affected communities and investing in local organizations equipped to lead rapid interventions

One year on, we are reflecting on the success of the Government Assisted Refugee program in Canada.

“It’s essential for Rainbow Railroad to show up in these spaces to ensure that LGBTQI+ migrant experiences are represented, and that we are actively working toward not just inclusion, but leadership opportunities in national advocacy.” - Senna Seniuk, Director, Engagement

As governments double down on anti-immigrant policies and anti-LGBTQI+ movements gain strength worldwide, the findings and strategies developed at this symposium could not be more timely.The International Symposium titled “Displacement and Difference: Harnessing Research to Address LGBTQI+ Forced Migration” has successfully concluded, but the conversations it sparked are only just beginning.The symposium is part of the Queer Forced Displacement Initiative — a project to co-create an international network on LGBTQI+ forced displacement. This initiative seeks to build a critically needed long-term platform to coordinate global efforts, advance protection, and expand durable solutions for LGBTQI+ people experiencing forced displacement.Held on August 21–22 in Mexico City, this global convening brought together activists, researchers, policymakers, and community leaders to confront one of the most pressing human rights crises of our time: the forced displacement of LGBTQI+ people. More than 140 participants from around the world took part, reflecting the breadth of interest and urgency surrounding this issue. The energy, knowledge, and solidarity shared across two days were nothing short of inspiring, and we extend our deep gratitude to everyone who contributed to this pivotal moment.We are especially thankful to our partners — the UCLA Williams Institute, Casa Frida, and our gracious hosts at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Instituto de Investigaciones Jurídicas. Their collaboration and leadership were indispensable in making this gathering possible.The event opened with the presentation of a landmark meta-analysis on queer forced displacement, offering a comprehensive picture to date of the challenges faced by forcibly displaced LGBTQI+ people. This critical research provided the foundation for rich discussions that followed, illuminating both the scale of the crisis and the urgency of action.What made this symposium especially powerful was its truly global perspective. From Latin America to Africa, Asia to Europe, and North America, presenters brought diverse insights rooted in lived realities. Grassroots activists, legal experts, academic scholars, and individuals with direct experience of displacement all shared the stage, reflecting the breadth and depth of knowledge our movement holds.Across panels, workshops, and collaborative sessions, several key themes emerged:Queer forced displacement from the Global South to the Global South — a reality too often overlooked in policy and research.Non-asylum narratives, including internal displacement — recognizing the experiences of those who remain internally displaced or cannot access formal protection systems.The impact of anti-gender and anti-immigration movements — and how they intersect to fuel violence and exclusion.Innovative community-based support and resilience-building — from shelter and support to grassroots resilience strategies led by LGBTQI+ groups.Legal panels, activist-led workshops, and the drafting of multistakeholder declarations all underscored a collective determination: that research must not stay on the page, but translate into action, policy change, and real safety for LGBTQI+ people in transit.As governments double down on anti-immigrant policies and anti-LGBTQI+ movements gain strength worldwide, the findings and strategies developed at this symposium could not be more timely. This is not just an academic conversation — it is a matter of life and death.We thank every presenter, moderator, and attendee whose contributions made this convening profoundly meaningful. Your voices and commitments are shaping a growing global movement for queer liberation and safety.The symposium may have ended, but our work continues — invigorated, urgent, and more connected than ever. The time is now to transform solidarity into action and ensure that no LGBTQI+ person is left behind in the search for safety and belonging.

This comprehensive analysis synthesizes insights from 275 sources, illuminating the issue of queer forced displacement.

The Growing Movement to Support LGBTQI+ Refugees in the U.S.

Our work is rooted in the freedom of movement: supporting LGBTQI+ people to access safety at home, and to exercise their right to asylum when needed.

Rainbow Railroad at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva

LGBTQI+ Refugees Caught in a Global Attack on LGBTQI+ and Asylum Rights

We're proud to share Rainbow Railroad’s 2024 Annual Report: Understanding the State of Global LGBTQI+ Persecution, a powerful reflection of the impact we’ve made together over the past year, and a call to action as we look ahead.The Annual Report serves as one of the only published data sources on LGBTQI+ forced displacement in the world. In 2021, we began publishing our proprietary data to map the state of global LGBTQI+ persecution according to our requests for help. This report has since become a critical document in the LGBTQI+ forced displacement sector, used by academics, civil society organizations, and government actors as a key tool in policy development and advocacy for LGBTQI+ refugees.Long-term relationship-building with states, UN agencies, and international organizations has allowed us to disseminate our data and share our expertise on the world stage. Rainbow Railroad is well connected to a global network of LGBTQI+ organizations and rights defenders. This unique position allows us to elevate the voices of the individuals we serve and the partners we work alongside, to drive systemic change at a global level.In 2024, Rainbow Railroad received more than 13,000 requests for help from LGBTQI+ people around the world. This figure is more than just data: it’s a stark indicator of the growing need for safety among those facing state-sponsored violence, criminalization, and persecution simply because of who they are or who they love.Last year, we provided support to 5,916 individuals across our program areas. Our work encompassed emergency travel support and in-country assistance, advocating for inclusive asylum pathways, building long-term partnerships in regions of highest need, and more. Behind each number in the report is a story of resilience: individuals who dared to seek freedom, and communities that stood with them.The 2024 Annual Report highlights the realities of this global crisis, and the role Rainbow Railroad, and our community of supporters, play in meeting it head-on with compassion, resolve, and action. We invite you to read the report, reflect on the progress we’ve made, and continue standing in solidarity with LGBTQI+ people worldwide.You can read and download the report here.

Rainbow Railroad expresses deep concern about the impact of Bill C-2 on LGBTQI+ refugees, and calls on the government to withdraw the legislation.