Profiles

Thirty years ago, I escaped the war in Bosnia and started a new life, first in the US then in Canada. Now, I’m in a position to help. Almost 30 years ago, a group of compassionate people came together to help me escape the war in Bosnia. Their kindness changed my life forever and motivated me to pay it forward. This is one of the many reasons why I’ve chosen to get involved in sponsoring an LGBTQI+ refugee with Rainbow Railroad, an organization I've admired for years.I first learned about the opportunity to sponsor a refugee when my friend MS posted online asking people to get involved. A chance to positively impact a refugee fleeing violence and persecution was instantly relatable and meaningful to me, as I had once stood in similar shoes. I quickly messaged MS.Now, I’m officially part of a sponsorship group, which includes my partner Rodney, working hand in hand with staff at Rainbow Railroad to fundraise and prepare for the arrival of an LGBTQI+ refugee in search of a better life here in Canada. Reflecting on my own experience settling down in a new country, I sincerely appreciate the crucial support from a few individuals who played a pivotal role in helping me. It’s incredibly gratifying to do the same for someone else fleeing persecution. Working with Rainbow Railroad has been an enlightening experience. The staff has been incredibly responsive, offering valuable resources that prepare us for the challenges and responsibilities of sponsorship. We constantly communicate with them as we fundraise and develop all the needed support for the refugee we’ll help welcome to Toronto. Our group is awaiting the newcomer's arrival with a mix of excitement and nerves. We eagerly anticipate the moment he arrives in Canada and plan to welcome him here. At the same time, we are keenly aware of the challenges he’ll face in the months and years to come. Despite the nerves, we couldn’t feel more reassured by the staff at Rainbow Railroad, whose experience and guidance are invaluable in ensuring that we are ready to support him in the best way possible. Toronto, the city I've come to call home, is a cultural and economic powerhouse, boasting a thriving LGBTQI+ community. It's a place where countless individuals, including myself, find refuge, safety, a better life, and the freedom to be ourselves. I'm hopeful that he will be able to feel the same way I’ve come to feel: safer, freer, and living without the threat of violence and persecution. I want, and hope for him, to become part of this vibrant and dynamic city and country I’m now proud to call home. To those considering becoming sponsors but are unsure:In a world marred by chaos and negativity, sponsoring an LGBTQI+ newcomer to Canada offers a chance to make a tangible difference.While the commitment is serious and demanding, it's a shared responsibility within the team, bolstered by support from Rainbow Railroad and other settlement organizations. For me, it’s also been a way to grow my community right here in the city, as I’ve become friends with my settlement teammates.The queer community holds a special place in my heart. It's where I feel a profound sense of belonging. I feel that being part of the queer community comes with the responsibility to look out for each other, especially as queer and trans rights face challenges globally. It's a collective responsibility to protect our hard-won freedoms and bring our straight allies along the journey to be our best selves.The other day, I watched the sunset over the city skyline from Riverdale Park East in Toronto. Sitting on a bench and watching the sunset, I reflected on my journey, which started almost 30 years ago. I again fell in love with Toronto — its openness and ambition — which has given me so much opportunity to live my best life. We are full of hope that our newcomers will have the same opportunity.I recognize that there are countless ways, big and small, to contribute. I feel fortunate that one way I can contribute is by helping to welcome an LGBTQI+ newcomer to Canada. I hope my story inspires those who haven't joined the effort to consider how they, too, can make a meaningful impact. If you live in Toronto, Canada and are interested in learning more or becoming involved in Rainbow Railroad's Private Sponsorship Program, please complete a volunteer form.Dario K is a Rainbow Railroad volunteer who is part of a Private Sponsorship Group that is fundraising and preparing for the arrival of a newcomer. 

Settling into life in Toronto, Umar reflects on the challenges he continues to face, while looking forward to the future he imagines for himself.“We, as Black queer people, we have to keep pushing for the world to know our stories.”Growing up in Uganda, Umar faced discrimination within his community and from his family, confronting rejection at home and struggling to access employment because of the stigma faced by the LGBTQI+ community. In 2019, a member of his family outed him to his community, which led to increased harassment and violence. After he and his partner were attacked and arrested, he was unable to return home, realizing that it was no longer safe for him to stay in Uganda.Umar crossed the border to Kenya, where he ended up living in a refugee camp. There, he connected with a community of LGBTQI+ Ugandans, but they faced homophobic discrimination and violence from other individuals in the camp without protection from staff. After learning about Rainbow Railroad from a Facebook post, he reached out to the organization and was connected with a caseworker. In 2022, Umar was approved to receive support through the Canadian Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program (PSR). Through PSR, volunteers come together with Rainbow Railroad’s assistance to help LGBTQI+ newcomers resettle in Canada. In the fall of 2023, Umar arrived in Toronto, welcomed by his settlement team. As Umar has experienced, the challenges of resettlement do not end upon arrival to a new, safer country. In Canada, he navigated the stress of finding a job and building a community. Although he left Uganda and Kenya, he continues to process the hardships he endured. Looking to the future, he is hopeful, stating,“For years, I have been running. I’m starting to feel like I’m being accepted in a new country, so maybe I could call Canada home. Home, to me, is somewhere I have peace — and I’ve found it here.”Reflecting on his experiences as an African LGBTQI+ refugee, he shares,“Our voices are not heard like others. There was a time when we did not feel recognized because we are from Africa. That’s why we didn’t receive help.”Umar’s journey has only been possible because of his own persistence and commitment to finding a pathway to safety. He calls on the global LGBTQI+ community to pay attention to the voices of Black queer refugees, to learn from their lived experiences and listen to their perspectives and stories. Umar continues to advocate for his community, and believes that sharing his own experience can help others who are facing similar persecution. As he continues to settle in Toronto, Umar is committed to giving back to his community, with plans to train as a care worker, and someday as a nurse. When imagining a future for himself, Umar hopes to build a queer community that provides support and friendship, saying simply,“To me, queer community means loving, queer community means welcoming, queer community means caring.”  If you live in Toronto, Canada and are interested in learning more or becoming involved in Rainbow Railroad's Private Sponsorship Program, please complete the volunteer form.

Longjones is a volunteer for Rainbow Railroad’s Communities of Care program. Based in Boston, he is part of a Private Sponsorship Group (PSG) with four other community members who are welcoming an LGBTQI+ newcomer through Welcome Corps. Below, he describes how his own experiences resettling in the United States have informed his commitment to supporting other LGBTQI+ newcomers. Learn more about volunteering to support a newcomer in the United States here. Why did you get involved with Welcome Corps?From my own story of having to run away from persecution and find a new home with no one I know but strangers, I can understand what it means and fit in the shoes of those newcomers who arrive in the USA/Canada.I am passionate about working with LGBTQ+ communities. Getting involved with Welcome Corps was a way for me to support newcomers and help them feel welcome and support them to navigate the systems as they settle into their new homes.How did you hear about private sponsorship?One of my comrades with whom we have worked for many years back in Uganda and who is in Canada now reached out to me. After visiting the website and learning more about it, I felt like this was not something new to me because I had already been doing this kind of work as an individual with the support of individual friends and my church. But, now as a PSG, we would be working as a team of five. I went on to reach out to a couple of folks I trusted and I know had a passion for such causes.Please tell us a little about your group and its members. How do you all know each other? Our group comprises five folks with different backgrounds from health to education and social work. What stands out is that we all believe that humans should live with dignity and that people should be free no matter what their gender identity or sexual orientation is. Have you done anything like this before? Some members of the group have done this kind of work before but this time, it's more structured. Three of our members are part of Choro Allegro Choruses based in Boston and they have been using music to advocate for human rights. One other member has been working in the health sector around HIV with LGBTQ+ communities of color. I personally started this specific kind of work to support refugees in 2015, based on my own experience and journey.Please tell us about your experience working with Rainbow Railroad. Our experience working with Rainbow Railroad so far has been amazing and interesting. The communication has been awesome, and the teamwork with the PSG has been great, answering all our concerns. The training has been tremendously helpful in welcoming our first match about two weeks ago.What makes your city or community a great place to resettle and live in?The city is diverse and a great place to live in. It has an urban-suburban mixed feel and is easy to navigate. What are you most excited about with the newcomer's arrival? What are you most nervous about?What has excited us about the newcomer’s arrival is that we have helped someone escape persecution. As we navigate communication with each other, we’ve been utilizing various language apps, including Duolingo, Google, and Apple translators. Paying attention to the small details has made our new arrival feel welcome. Knowing their birthday was the day before they arrived, we made a birthday cake and had it with us at the airport when we welcomed our match. Seeing how they reacted made our eyes fill with tears. What would you say to someone who is considering becoming a part of a PSG but is on the fence about it?I would encourage them to do so. I would share with them my experience and how wonderful it feels knowing their support for the newcomers plays a key role in ensuring the refugee feels safe, loved, and welcomed. One doesn’t have to feel pressured. Once the new arrival is here, things unfold and one realizes the tasks are manageable. It’s helpful to have clear, structured check-ins at least twice a week. They need to do a lot of research around the cultures and services, and let the new arrival be part of the planning. Check in with what they want to do, and outline what could be achievable in the short and long term. What does community — queer community — mean to you?It's the open-mindedness as to how one views gender and sexuality identities. One doesn’t have to necessarily be an LGBTQ+ identifying person to be considered Queer. It can also mean challenging traditional norms and fighting social inequality.What does Black queer resistance mean to you? How does it inform your involvement with Welcome Corps, and with Rainbow Railroad? What does Black queer excellence mean to you? Black queer excellence and resistance relate to the struggle that the LGBTQI+ community and allies have fought for — to be visible and accepted. Breaking the chains of tradition and viewing the world from a different lens. It’s about realizing the countless sacrifices among Black folks.Queer resistance — the act of refusal to be treated differently or less than others — standing up against injustices.Volunteering with a PSG is in line with Black excellence and resistance, by standing up against injustices, volunteering time to welcome a new arrival and creating a safe space and environment for them. While Rainbow Railroad is working tirelessly to ensure a safe passage for those facing persecution and injustices, they need PSGs to help expedite the process to ensure more of those at risk get out safely. We at the grassroots level play a key role in the work of Welcome Corps and Rainbow Railroad. I am grateful for being a part of this great work.If you live in the US and are interested in learning more or becoming involved in Rainbow Railroad’s Communities of Care Program, please complete the volunteer form.

Born in Sudan, Khalid relocated to Malaysia in 2022 before reaching out to Rainbow Railroad and eventually resettling in Canada in September 2023. Below, he shares his reflections on his journey seeking safety over the past two years.This story contains reference to violence and other forms of abuse towards the LGBTQI+ community. Growing up in a seemingly privileged middle-class family, I soon realized that appearances can be deceiving. Despite their education and outward prosperity, my family held deep-rooted prejudices, particularly towards the LGBTQI+ community. Living in a country where being queer is not only socially condemned but also criminalized, I witnessed the horrifying consequences of such discrimination firsthand. People were persecuted — even killed — simply for being true to themselves.One tragic incident hit close to home when my dear friend lost his life at the hands of his own father, when he discovered his son's sexual orientation. This injustice fueled my anger and helplessness, driving me to seek safety and freedom elsewhere. Little did I know that my escape would mark the beginning of an arduous journey.Bidding farewell to my tearful mother, I embarked on a path that would forever change my life. To study abroad I knew Malaysia isn't the best place, but in comparison to back home, Malaysia is better. However, my worst nightmares materialized overnight. My once supportive family turned their backs on me, leaving me homeless and utterly unprepared for the challenges ahead. Suddenly, I found myself alone, unable to even cook or wash my own clothes. It was a harsh awakening, far removed from the security I had known within my family.Sadly, my struggles did not end there. As an asylum seeker,I faced exploitation, abuse, and racism in my workplace. The restaurant industry became my new reality, where I had to swallow my pride and endure the cruelty of labor exploitation. It was a stark contrast to the work I had previously done back home with NGOs supporting refugees. Never could I have imagined that one day I would become a refugee myself.Amidst the hardships, a glimmer of hope emerged. In Malaysia, I discovered organizations like Jejaka and Justice for Sisters who stood by me and provided support to me. Their unwavering dedication inspired me to commit my life and time to helping others in similar situations.And because of Rainbow Railroad, I have found safety and refuge in Canada. Their tireless efforts have provided me with the opportunity to rebuild my life and advocate for others in similar situations. I realized the importance of solidarity within our community, as no one understands our struggles better than ourselves. Together, we must fight for our rights, for we are the most targeted and vulnerable community in the world.In Canada, I really want to engage with my Canadian community and to learn from the LGBTQI+ community. I hope to use this knowledge to help the queer community back in Sudan. I want to work towards ensuring every single individual has access to healthcare because in Sudan we are still dealing with stigma surrounding HIV, and discrimination and criminalization of queer identities. I'm committed to supporting my Sudanese queer community and anyone in need, and it's not just something I want to do -  it's a journey to make things better. I want to fix important problems and help those who need it. I want to make sure their voices are heard.Even when things get tough, I stay hopeful and focused. If I can achieve these goals in my lifetime, it's not just a win for me, but it shows how working together and caring for each other can make a big difference.I dream of a world where everyone, no matter where they come from, can do well and have their voices heard. My dream isn't just about reaching my goals; it's about inspiring others to work together for a fair and equal future.As I reflect on my journey, I am reminded that strength arises from adversity. My experiences have shaped my determination to empower and uplift the queer community. It is our collective responsibility to fight for our rights, ensuring that the world recognizes and respects our existence. Let us stand together, united in our pursuit of equality and justice. 

Trans Awareness Week November 13-19We observe Transgender Awareness Week at Rainbow Railroad to promote greater acceptance, visibility, inclusivity, and social change for the transgender community. In order to understand and address the challenges the global trans community faces, it is critical to centre the lived experiences of its members. In 2023, the number of requests for help from trans individuals Rainbow Railroad received doubled.Julia is one of the trans individuals Rainbow Railroad supported this year. Growing up in Tunisia, she faced bullying and harassment because of her identity. At only 18 years old, she was imprisoned because a piece of her ID did not match her gender expression. As a result, she spent over a year in prison without facing a fair trial.Julia is a multi-talented artist and creator. In 2018, she founded “Alwani,” which means “My colours'', in Arabic, an organization dedicated to advocating for the LGBT community in Tunisia. As a result of her activism, Julia was invited by the Arab Institute for Research and Publishing in Lebanon to help update their guide on gendered vocabulary in the Arabic language.2022 was a turning point for Julia when members of an extremist group attacked both her and her mother. Through a recommendation of a friend, she reached out to Rainbow Railroad. The decision to leave Tunisia was not easy. She would have to leave her family behind and face financial insecurity from her resettlement. However, she felt she had no choice but to leave, describing her mental state as “in constant fear and expecting harassment at every corner, or worse, the police dragging me down to the station.”Julia sought refuge in Madrid. She describes her three-day wait at the airport as a positive experience. Contrary to all her expectations, she was well taken care of, fed and given a phone to call home. The Red Cross provided her with a wheelchair because of complications she suffered throughout her travels. On June 14, 2023, Julia, at 28 years old, was granted asylum in Spain and started her new life in Madrid.A resettlement organization, Rescate, supported Julia with housing in Spain and helped her learn Spanish. When asked how she adjusted to her new life in Madrid, she remarks, “I feel at peace, safe and secure. That is what changed for me — not the change in geographic location. My mind is no longer busy looking for ways to run for safety or thinking of how to prepare for the worst scenario possible.”Her days in Madrid are occupied with participating in different activities through Rescate, learning Spanish and enjoying her hobbies of cooking and drawing.Her current motto in life is: “I learn something new every day and every day is the best day of my life”.“I tell my Tunisian LGBTQ+ folks not to despair and not to give up, and not to tire; to work toward your clear goals and realize them. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from community organizations or lawyers, and be who you are and live for what your souls yearn for, not for others. And don’t forget to dance to life’s ever-changing tunes.”“I thank everyone who supported and supports Rainbow Railroad. And I tell them that their donations helped me reach safer shores and their donations are helping many others like me from the LGBTQI+ communities all over the world.”  In 2023, Rainbow Railroad successfully relocated hundreds of individuals like Julia, while providing vital support to thousands of others through shelter, emergency financial assistance, crisis response support, and other programs. Help make our work possible by making a donation today at rainbowrailroad.org/donate.