Profiles

“I still can’t believe it. We can walk down the street, touch each other’s hands, and not fear being murdered. Home, for us, is wherever we can be accepted. And for the first time, we are,” Joe said.

“Rainbow Railroad changed my life,” Deacon reflects. “From persecution to liberation and freedom — that’s what they gave me.”

“Our youth, and their determination to fight this cruel world system. That’s what gives me hope. That, and organizations like Rainbow that fight to protect us.”

“Like seeds, our stories hold the promise of hope. Even in the darkest hours, we carry the inner light of those who believe. You are never alone — and your truth is a beautiful act of resistance.”

“No matter where you are, there are people who understand and will stand with you,” Rahma says. “You are not alone.”

When D’John arrived in Toronto from Jamaica, he was seeking something many take for granted — the chance to live freely, without fear. As a gay man, life back home was filled with threats, isolation, and rejection. Reaching out to Rainbow Railroad was his first step toward reclaiming his future.Today, he stands proudly in his truth. With safety, support, and a growing sense of purpose, he now calls Canada home. And this Pride, he’s not just celebrating — he’s daring to resist.A Journey Marked by Healing and BelongingFor many LGBTQI+ newcomers, the journey to freedom is long, complex, and challenging. But it’s also filled with moments of profound growth.“My resettlement journey has been filled with lots of tears, healing, and growth,” D'John shares. “I found community through my network, especially by volunteering with grassroots organizations. That’s where I began to feel connected — like I belonged.”This year, he’ll be celebrating Pride at Toronto’s iconic Green Space Festival at The 519, surrounded by friends, chosen family, and community. “Pride means I can live freely. That I don’t have to hide any part of myself. I’m finally whole.”Embracing Change, Challenging the NormThis year’s Pride theme, Solidarity in Pride: Dare to Resist, resonates deeply with him.“To me, ‘Dare to Resist’ means resisting the status quo. It means daring to rewrite our present,” D'John says.He believes resistance can take many forms — from visibility to leadership, from refusing silence to seeking justice. “Right now, the queer community needs to resist the urge to accept what has always been,” he urges. “We must strive to be represented at every level.”From Isolation to CommunityHis message for those resettling today is clear: newcomers need holistic, wraparound support. “When you move to a new country, you have to rewire your entire life.”He’s seen firsthand the power of solidarity in helping others feel less isolated. “We need people to step up — donate time, donate money, learn about the community. Get involved.”For him, that support made all the difference. Rainbow Railroad, he says, didn’t just help him escape — they gave him a reason to live. “Their support gave me the opportunity to live, not just exist.”Joy, Resistance, and the Power of FamilyIn a world where queer lives are still under threat, joy becomes a radical act — and his greatest source of joy is his family.And when he wants to feel uplifted and affirmed, he turns to the powerful anthem Stand Up by Cynthia Erivo. “It makes me feel proud of who I am.”To him, queer liberation means more than survival. “It’s owning our identities and wearing them intentionally,” he says.A Message of Strength for OthersTo LGBTQI+ people still facing persecution, his message is one of unwavering hope.“You matter. You do have a right to be you. And you will be strong — and live.”He knows the journey isn’t easy. But he also knows that the work Rainbow Railroad is doing is transformational. “It’s so needed. I just wish there was even more that could be done to expand this work to reach more people.”And as for what gives him hope? “My own personal goals,” he says, simply.From a moment of darkness to a life filled with purpose, this is what transformation looks like. This is what resistance looks like.This Pride season, show your solidarity not just in celebration, but in action. Support queer and trans people on their path to safety. Donate now.

“‘Dare to Resist’ means refusing to be silent in the face of injustice. It means living boldly and authentically, even when the world tells you not to.”

“I really want to leave a legacy that helps people live freely — the freedom to be themselves, to live as authentic human beings without having to hide or face violence.”

Deeply inspired by Rainbow Railroad’s mission and determined to make a difference, David and Jesse are financial supporters, and active volunteers as well.

Community fundraisers play a vital role in sustaining our work, rallying their networks to take action and provide critical support. This month, we spoke to two of our dedicated community supporters, Bob Fisher and Jim Sargant, about what drives them to mobilize support for our mission. Since 2018, Bob Fisher (he/him) and Jim Sargant (he/him) have been passionate supporters of Rainbow Railroad, dedicating their time to raising awareness and funds to help LGBTQI+ people facing persecution find safety. Their journey with Rainbow Railroad began nearly ten years ago at Toronto Pride, where they first learned about the organization’s mission.“We were so thrilled to find Rainbow Railroad and hear about its work,” Bob recalls. “As a gay couple, it was very important to us to find an organization where gay people were helping other LGBTQI+ people who were in danger around the world.”Fundraising and Community Support Across BordersSince then, Bob and Jim have committed to making a tangible difference as community supporters. Their fundraising efforts centre around communities they are a part of, first through Minden Pride  in Minden, Ontario. More recently, they have fundraised through Camp Mars, a LGBTQI+ campground in Florida. Their ongoing commitment has helped to raise more than $34,000 for Rainbow Railroad.With the backing of Camp Mars owners Dale Dunston and Tom Costello, they’ve hosted specific fundraising events, such as Las Vegas Weekend, and weekly bingo nights, with many players donating a portion of their winnings to Rainbow Railroad. Moving forward, Bob and Jim are excited to pass the torch to John Tully at Camp Mars who will spearhead the Camp’s fundraising efforts in support of Rainbow Railroad.“We have been so inspired by Rainbow Railroad’s efforts and successes in supporting LGBTQI+ people at risk,” Jim says. “And we’ve been equally inspired by the generosity of the Camp Mars community, who have embraced this mission and helped us reach our fundraising goals.”A Simple Approach to Community EngagementWhile their efforts have been successful, Bob and Jim emphasize that fundraising doesn’t have to be overwhelming. “You don’t need to do a big, splashy event,” Bob advises. “Slow and steady can work. It took us 14 months to reach our goal at Camp Mars. Be consistent in your message, and don’t be discouraged by ups and downs in fundraising flow.”They also encourage others to seek out support from Rainbow Railroad when needed. “Do not hesitate to ask for technical help or support materials from the Rainbow Railroad office,” Jim says. “They can provide great resources to make your efforts more impactful.”Beyond raising funds, their work has also raised awareness within their community. “During our fundraising efforts, we’ve been approached by individuals who have firsthand knowledge of global LGBTQI+ persecution,” Jim shares. “Hearing their stories has made our mission feel even more urgent and personal.”Bob and Jim continue their journey as community supporters with the hope of inspiring others to take action. “We want people to know that even small contributions can make a difference,” Bob says. “Rainbow Railroad not only relocates people to safety but also helps them with immediate needs, whether it’s financial aid due to job loss or support to move to a safer place within their own country.”Through their dedication, Bob and Jim have shown that community-driven efforts can have an incredible impact. They hope their story encourages more people to step up, raise awareness, and contribute in whatever way they can.

“I always know that after the darkest night comes the most beautiful sunrise.”

For Leila, being a woman means more than identity — it is about community and resilience. "It has been the feeling of being welcome, with yourself and among your sisters. Womanhood is solidarity, shared experiences, wisdom, and strength."