Issues

This new era of leadership threatens to erode the progress LGBTQI+ and immigrant rights groups have made in securing pathways to protection for LGBTQI+ refugees.

In more than 60 countries, LGBTQI+ people are criminalized because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. As a result, many LGBTQI+ people experience severe forms of violence, persecution, and discrimination in their home country, usually incited by state actors, leaving them with little recourse but to flee. State-sanctioned homophobia and transphobia force LGBTQI+ people to live in constant fear for their lives. They are also subjected to community violence, family violence and rejection, and are denied basic human rights, such as access to education, employment, healthcare, and legal protections. Forced to flee, they seek refuge in countries like Canada, where they can live safely with dignity and contribute to society without fear of persecution.Accessing humanitarian protection and resettlement programsHumanitarian protection and resettlement programs are not always safe and accessible for LGBTQI+ refugees and asylum seekers. Options for many individuals are restricted because of passport immobility, visa restrictions, high costs, danger in transit countries and refugee camps, the intimate nature of ‘proving’ LGBTQI+ persecution, retraumatization, and a limited number of available resettlement spaces. Some LGBTQI+ refugees and asylum seekers also experience homophobia and transphobia on their journey in search of safety. The majority of refugees and asylum seekers are in fact hosted in countries that criminalize or restrict LGBTQI+ identity, intimacy, expression, or association to some degree. While there are several organizations that work to provide refuge for the more than 120 million forcibly displaced people – including over 43 million refugees, only a handful focus on LGBTQI+ people who have been forcibly displaced. Rainbow Railroad is one such organization. We work at the intersection of LGBTQI+ criminalization and forced displacement. Over the past 18 years, we have experienced a significant increase in the number of LGBTQI+ people reaching out to us for help after being abandoned by their state, community, family, and sometimes the humanitarian protection system. One of the ways that we intervene and offer support is by improving their access to humanitarian protection and resettlement programs.Canada’s commitment to LGBTQI+ refugees and asylum seekersCanadian immigration regulations explicitly recognize the need for protections for LGBTQI+ people facing discrimination or danger in their home countries. By providing humanitarian protection and resettlement options for LGBTQI+ refugees and asylum seekers, Canada is upholding its existing legal obligations and frameworks for refugee protection. Rainbow Railroad works with the Government of Canada, community partners, LGBTQI+ refugees and asylum seekers, and the broader 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Canada to improve access to protection and resettlement for at-risk LGBTQI+ people. By doing so, we aim to ensure that LGBTQI+ refugees and asylum seekers find safety, home, and belonging when they relocate here.Rising Anti-Refugee Narratives Unfortunately, this critical work is now under threat. While refugees make up a fraction of the newcomers in Canada, “the heightened debate about immigration has bled into how the public views [them]”. Refugees are unfairly being made scapegoats for issues like Canada’s housing crisis and economic challenges, bearing the brunt of misguided accusations that misplace blame on them. There is also a growing narrative that “many people claiming to be refugees are not real refugees”. The unintended consequence of this is the creation of a dangerous and divisive narrative which adds another layer of complexity and precarity for at-risk LGBTQI+ people who are seeking asylum in Canada because they were being persecuted in their home countries. This, even as Canada remains a beacon of hope for these individuals and has consistently demonstrated its commitment to protecting those who face persecution based on their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, and other protected grounds, including sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.Continued Partnership for LGBTQI+ refugees and asylum seekersRainbow Railroad believes that through continued partnerships and incisive planning, the Government of Canada can maintain, if not marginally increase the number of LGBTQI+ refugees and asylum claims it accepts annually. At-risk LGBTQI+ people who are forced to flee home depend on the compassion of the Government of Canada, and a reduction in the number of individuals the IRCC will accept in the category of Refugees and Protected Persons from a planned high of 93,000 in 2024 to a planned high of 60,000 in 2027 hurts the increasing number of individuals who are forced to flee home. A balanced, partnership-centric approach to supporting LGBTQI+ refugees and asylum seekers can uphold Canada’s core values without straining the economy or overburdening taxpayers in the long term. Over time, refugees contribute to Canada’s GDP and “pay more in income tax on average than they receive in public benefits and services”. Furthermore, data show that refugees have one of the highest rates of tax compliance in Canada.Supporting LGBTQI+ refugees and asylum seekers may require additional initial investments in specialized programs, such as mental health support, trauma counseling, and legal aid to navigate asylum claims; these costs are short-term investments in ensuring that LGBTQI+ refugees and asylum seekers are successfully integrated into Canadian society. By providing the necessary support at the outset, Canada can reduce the long-term burden on social services and promote greater self-sufficiency among this population.Holding the line on the commitment to LGBTQI+ refugees and asylum seekersRainbow Railroad calls on the Government of Canada to take the following actions.Invest in technology and procedural reforms to streamline and swiftly process refugee claims; this will reduce wait times, improve cost-effectiveness, and ensure that LGBTQI+ refugees and asylum seekers are given timely protection. Following the COVID-19 disruption to the in-person Refugee Status Determination hearings, the Immigration Refugee Board revolutionized its case intake and utilized videoconferencing to hold hearings, which improved efficiency and reduced backlog. Expand regional access to resettlement pathways for at-risk LGBTQI+ people. Right now, access to resettlement pathways to Canada is limited to individuals in certain countries or regions. Enhance its collaborative effort with Rainbow Railroad, and local and international partners to secure positive relocation outcomes for LGBTQI+ refugees and asylum seekers using the whole-of-society approach.Maintain the planned 2024 immigration level for Refugees and Protected Persons over the next three years to ensure that LGBTQI+ refugees and asylum seekers are not abandoned because of their vulnerability.Bolster the private sponsorship of refugees program through sponsorship agreement holders and partnerships with LGBTQI+ advocacy and community organizations; this leverages community resources, reduces government spending, and creates a strong network of support for LGBTQI+ refugees.Disrupt the current dangerous and divisive policy and populist narrative that refugees and asylum seekers are causing the housing crisis in Canada. Refugees and asylum seekers make up a small fraction of Canada’s overall population, and their presence does not meaningfully contribute to this crisis. It is possible to protect and support at-risk LGBTQI+ refugees and asylum seekers through a cost-effective, targeted approach that ensures successful integration into Canadian society. A nation that prides itself on justice and compassion must not allow vulnerable populations to become victims of a misleading, dangerous and divisive narrative in the face of complex socio-economic challenges. We must work together to uphold the values of inclusivity and human dignity that have long defined Canada’s approach to humanitarian protection and refugee resettlement.

Latin America and the Caribbean are regions facing record numbers of forced displacement, including of LGBTQI+ people at risk. Rainbow Railroad data can shed light on their experiences.

When LGBTQI+ individuals face a lack of basic necessities, increased instances of sexual violence, or lack of access to mental health and healthcare, HIV-positivity rates increase.

We call on our allies and supporters to join us in this urgent work.

While we wish we could help everyone who reaches out to us, our capacity is limited by our resources and the legal complexities and constraints of international refugee law and travel.

As the confirmation of Trump’s re-election settles, we face a pivotal moment in our mission to support and protect at-risk LGBTQI+ refugees, asylees, and asylum seekers. This crucial time reinforces the urgent need to mobilize and stand united for equality and justice. What we are certain of is that this moment clarifies our path forward: we must rally together with unwavering resolve to meet the anticipated challenges for our community if this new administration implements many of the anti-immigration and anti-LGBTQI+ policies it has proposed. Our community has proven its strength and resilience. Despite the changing landscape and rising threats to the rights of LGBTQI+ refugees, asylees, and asylum seekers, we have made significant strides in defending and advancing our mission. Together, we’ve fought back against discriminatory laws and policies, securing vital victories, and raised awareness about the realities faced by forcibly displaced LGBTQI+ people. As a community, we’ve supported those seeking safety, dignity and freedom — helping countless LGBTQI+ people find safety in safe cities in the U.S. The power of queer organizing and community action has always been our greatest strength, and together, we’ve shown what is possible when we stand united.We are working behind the scenes to ensure we do more to support LGBTQI+ refugees, asylum seekers and asylees in the U.S., and will share more with our community as we have updates. If you have questions about what the election results could mean for your immigration status, please reach out to us at community@rainbowrailroad.org. With so much at risk, now more than ever, we need your support. Together, we can power change. Help us fuel the fight by donating to ensure that the hundreds of LGBTQI+ refugees, asylum seekers, and asylees who are depending on us will not be left behind.To our entire community: we acknowledge your fears, your grief, your anger, and all of the other emotions you may be feeling. We cannot do this without you. We are now in crisis mode and we urgently need your support to continue our vital work. We will move forward. Nothing will stop us. As James Baldwin said: “There is never a time in the future in which we will work out our salvation. The challenge is in the moment; the time is always now.”Let’s get to work.

For every $100 you raise by 11:59pm on November 15th, 2024, you’ll earn an entry to win a pair of tickets to Taylor Swift’s SOLD-OUT Eras Tour stop in Toronto on November 22nd!

We are deeply concerned by Canada’s recent reduction in refugee resettlement slots in the 2025-27 Immigration Levels Plan. 

LGBTQI+ rights and refugee rights are under threat in the coming election, but this election is also an opportunity to renew our commitment to mobilizing in defence of our community

 Recently, Rainbow Railroad convened and moderated a timely dialogue on “International Peace and Security and LGBTQI+ Crisis Response” in a side event for the United Nations Summit of the Future. Read a complete report back on this panel here.We gathered with the co-sponsorship of Outright International, the Equal Rights Coalition, and the Governments of Malta, Colombia, and Canada, and through close collaboration with UNHCR’s Division of International Protection and its New York Office, as well as the UN Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity.Dr. Nishin Nathwani, Head of Strategy at Rainbow Railroad, moderated the discussion which featured expert interventions from:Ambassador Bob Rae, Permanent Representative of Canada to the UN, and President of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)Graeme Reid, UN Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Ambassador Vanessa Frazier, Permanent Representative of Malta to the United NationsAmbassador Juan José Quintana, Permanent Representative of Colombia to the United Nations  Richard Wilson, Executive Director of Lighthouse Equality Advocacy ProjectAndré Du Plessis, United Nations Program Director at Outright InternationalMr. Sivanka Dhanapala, Director of UNHCR Office in New YorkPrioritizing Multilateral Partnership and Queer PerspectivesThe discussion explored how multilateral partnership can contribute to international peace and security. Participants examined successful partnerships with states, international organizations, and civil society, and identified areas where countries can champion the fight against LGBTQI+ persecution. Speakers shared how queer perspectives can be integrated into the Pact of the Future and in the Declaration on Future Generations, and where increased multilateralism can enhance international peace and security for at-risk LGBTQI+ people.   Richard Wilson, an activist supported by Rainbow Railroad in resettling, spoke about their own lived experience on the panel, as well as their advocacy for LGBTQI+ asylum seekers. Reflecting on the conversation, they shared the following:“Having the opportunity to share my story and listen to the proposed policies aimed at supporting displaced individuals, especially those in the LGBTQI+ community, gave me hope. I felt that the voices of people like me were not just being heard but also integrated into solutions that could make a tangible difference. Seeing global leaders take our concerns seriously and commit to taking action was incredibly powerful.”This was Rainbow Railroad’s first event of this kind, after having recently been granted special consultative status by the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Securing ECOSOC status is a challenging process, as applicants must be approved by a committee that includes members from countries like Russia, Pakistan, and China, nations that often subject LGBTQI+ groups to additional scrutiny. Consultative status significantly increases Rainbow Railroad’s access to the UN, including through bodies such as the Human Rights Council, where we are better positioned to advocate for LGBTQI+ forced displacement and elevate the work of partner LGBTQI+ civil society organizations and activists doing this work on the ground globally. Bringing grassroots partners and refugees into high level meetings, provides a platform for those who lack the resources to attain this status themselves. Forming the backdrop of this conversation is the global anti-gender movement, which has mobilized a coalition of populist groups and funders to target a wide range of programming including sexuality education, discussion on sexual and reproductive rights, and LGBTQI+ rights. Rainbow Railroad has received more than 50,000 requests for help since our founding, and we understand the need for a global coordinated response.The rising tide of legislative and social changes that newly target LGBTQI+ communities not only jeopardize the safety of individuals and communities and their access to rights but also have broader implications for global peace and security. Experts acknowledged we need to collectively re-envision the landscape of how the international community adapts and responds to threats to human rights, underscoring how international mechanisms have been successfully utilized and could be further leveraged to enhance support to at-risk LGBTQI+ communities in crisis-affected contexts.  Advancing LGBTQI+ Rights in International SpacesActivist Richard Wilson described the importance of conversations like this:“This event opened my eyes to the global nature of the LGBTQI+ crisis response. It showed me that while the struggles of LGBTQI+ immigrants and asylum seekers are unique, they are not isolated. The panel gave me a deeper understanding of the complex intersection between displacement, identity, and security. It also highlighted the importance of international cooperation in addressing these crises and reassured me that there are ongoing efforts to improve the systems in place to protect and support people like me.”Collective action and partnerships in multilateral spaces give us hope as we continue to advocate for the voices of LGBTQI+ refugees and asylum seekers at the international level. Opportunities for these conversations are critical in our pursuit of creative solutions for international crisis response.   Read a complete report back on“International Peace and Security and LGBTQI+ Crisis Response” here.  All photos in this blog post are credited to Andrew Kelly. 

At Rainbow Railroad, we strive to help at-risk LGBTQI+ individuals get to safety, but the journey for refugees doesn’t end when they arrive in a safer country. In 2023, across all of our relocation programs, we relocated 447 people, including through government resettlement, private sponsorship and ETS. Having multiple pathways at our disposal means that we can reach more people in their specific circumstances. However, the journey of LGBTQI+ people toward queer liberation doesn’t end when they arrive in a new country.A Continuing Journey: Beyond Initial RelocationWe spoke with individuals who we relocated through ETS to better understand their experiences after relocation. They told us that their path to safety and acceptance was paved with deep challenges. Relocating 434 individuals from 34 countries through ETS in 2023 was an important achievement, and we need to understand the complexity of people’s individual experiences. Despite the initial relief of escaping danger, many face significant hurdles such as cultural adaptation, employment, housing, language barriers, social exclusion, and the search for a supportive community. Even in safer environments, some report encountering discrimination and racism within the very communities they hoped would welcome them.Although the narratives shared are diverse, from grappling with the prolonged asylum processes in Canada to confronting racism in Germany, a recurring theme emerges: while welcomed for their queer identities, LGBTQI+ people who are relocated often experience discrimination or harm due to their racial or national identity. Even in states with legal protections for the LGBTQI+ community, safety for LGBTQI+ persons is a relative experience impacted by the intersections of an individual’s identity.Emotional Journeys: The Long Road to BelongingThe emotional landscape of those who have relocated evolves over time. It takes time to find a true sense of home and belonging. The stories in our Annual Report underscore the need for more resources to support resettlement efforts and address the gaps in ensuring lasting safety and acceptance.Pasha’s journey exemplifies the emotional struggle after resettling. “My escape hasn’t ended while crossing borders. A safe place doesn’t become safe when the mind is a hostage. I do need help in rebuilding my life and finding new dreams but also, I need a strong community that will help me heal and accomplish justice for those who seek it,” Pasha shares.Positive Outcomes and the Ongoing Need for SupportWhile we take pride in our relocation efforts, the work is far from over. It is the collective responsibility of governments, civil society, and host communities to ensure the safe relocation and integration of LGBTQI+ people. By acknowledging and addressing the diverse and evolving needs of those we relocate, we can better dismantle the systemic barriers that prevent queer, trans, and intersex persons from living full lives.Encouragingly, 91% of people relocated by Rainbow Railroad reported enhanced personal safety in their destination countries, and 76% noted an improved quality of life. These statistics remind us of the importance of our mission and the positive impact we can achieve together.Read our full Annual Report to learn more about the stories, challenges, and triumphs of those we support.