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“In those moments,  I feel so much disappointment, because the most powerful government in the world claims not to have the capacity to help or process the people who are in most need of protection.“- Brigitte Baltazar Lujano, LGBTQI+ coordinator at Al Otro Lado (AOL). AOL is a women-led bi-national advocacy, legal and humanitarian aid organization serving migrants, refugees and deportees in the United States and Mexico.Documenting the violations of civil and human rights by the Mexican and U.S. law enforcement authorities that deportees and migrants faced, AOL started as a project in 2011 in Tijuana, Mexico. It wasn’t until 2016, when Trump was elected president, that AOL expanded its focus to include asylum seekers whose federal and international rights were being violated when Customs and Border Protection began turning asylum seekers away from U.S. ports of entry. AOL since then, has grown exponentially to meet the growing needs of thousands of refugees by providing critical legal and humanitarian aid on both sides of the border in response to unjust immigration policies.Al Otro Lado provides “Know Your Rights” materials through asylum 101 workshops, and various shelters throughout Tijuana. AOL also utilizes platforms like TikTok which disseminates essential information on asylum process and immigration policies in 16 different languages, serving thousands of migrants.Uncertainty for Asylum Seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border Recent discussions around the U.S.-Mexico border among policymakers in March, 2024 have created apprehension within the community of asylum seekers. And while seeking asylum is a right in both the U.S and international laws, the new executive order that took effect in early June  allows the U.S. administration to stop processing asylum claims if the number of irregular crossings at the US-Mexico border surpasses an average of 2,500 per day for a week.AOL services are directly affected by U.S. Government policies; when policy changes take effect, AOL is required to immediately revamp their service delivery model to continue to benefit the community of asylum seekers. This requires AOL to retrain staff and volunteers and to revise and translate Know-Your-Rights educational materials.“The uncertainty of border policy and the U.S. government's ongoing efforts to limit access to asylum at the southern border, keeps all of us hyper-vigilant and always waiting for the next piece of bad news“ elaborates Nicole Ramos, AOL's Border Rights Project director on the state of mind in regards to this line of work.   Responding to the Needs of LGBTQI+ Asylum SeekersRainbow Railroad was introduced to AOL’s work with migrants, asylum seekers and refugees when staff visited the U.S.-Mexico border in 2019 to learn about the LGBTQI+ asylum seekers who were trapped in dangerous border cities due to the draconian immigration laws. LGBTQI+ asylum seekers traveling to the Mexico-U.S. border often face physical violence, abductions for ransoms and a lack of a safe means of transportation. At the border, there is a severe shortage of shelter spaces for queer individuals as well as food, water and healthcare. LGBTQI+ people are at a greater risk of harm because of their identities, including gender identity or expression.In 2021 AOL began working together with Rainbow Railroad around a pilot program supported by the Canadian government to offer asylum seekers the option of resettling toArgentina, where the asylum seeking process is not adversarial and doesn’t lead to detention.Since then, and over the course of two years, Rainbow Railroad has helped fund critical components of AOL’s LGBTQI+ program including safe transportation for asylum seekers, medication access, emergency housing, translation costs of “Know Your Rights” materials on emerging border policies and LGBTQI+ shelter support. Rainbow Railroad has also referred LGBTQI+ asylum seekers in Tijuana to AOL’s legal orientation and shelter services as well as medical services to provide HIV medication and hormone treatment.Brigitte Baltazar Lujano, LGBTQI+ coordinator at AOL emphasizes Rainbow Railroad’s crucial role in  supporting AOL’s work, “We wouldn’t have had the capacity to help as many people as we helped to find shelter and a safe place to stay, life-saving medication and important access to resources to help them seek asylum in the United States.” Governments Falling Short On reckoning with the most difficult part of the day-to-day work, Baltazar Lujano highlights the only government approved pathway to asylum, a smartphone application called CBP One, which is often inaccessible with system-wide glitches that render it inoperable for days at a time. “In those moments, I feel so much disappointment, because the most powerful government in the world claims not to have the capacity to help or process the people who are in most need of protection.“The most rewarding part of the day-to-day work for Brigitte is when an asylum seeker is finally able to cross the US-Mexico border and is in the United States, safe from the danger they fled, to focus on their new journey.Addressing the Mexican government, Brigitte articulates “If you can’t protect our people, stop standing in the way of their attempts to seek protection in the U.S. Stop sending the National Guard to do the U.S.’s dirty work by keeping people from reaching the U.S border.”AOL aspires to ensure all the communities they serve have prompt access to the legal process, which can significantly improve their  well-being and safety.For AOL, queer community means family, compassion, love, resilience, resistance, and strength.Brigitte asserts to LGBTQI+ individuals who are facing difficulties “Remember to never lose hope, to stand firm in your beliefs and to keep fighting for your lives, no matter what. As long as you’re still alive, there is always hope.” 

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.

Despite legal protections for queer and trans individuals, there is still an ongoing fight for LGBTQI+ equality in South Africa. Access Chapter 2 (AC2) is a human rights organization established in 2003, focusing on protecting and promoting the rights of LGBTQI+ individuals in South Africa. AC2 confronts ongoing stigma, violence, and legal barriers to ensure full equality and support for the LGBTQI+ community.Although South Africa has made progressive strides in legislation protecting the LGBTQI+ community, queer and trans people still experience stigma, violence, and harassment. Organizations like AC2 provide critical support to the LGBTQI+ community through social services, legal assistance, and advocacy. AC2 supports women and girls, and people living with, or vulnerable to, HIV and tuberculosis, and assists queer migrants who are navigating the asylum system in South Africa.  They believe human rights are the foundation of a just and compassionate society, a belief rooted in their work with diverse and vulnerable individuals seeking healthcare services.  AC2 also operates a clinic providing legal services and psychosocial support. They monitor and support court cases affecting queer people and their families.In addition to providing individual support, AC2 pursues advocacy work that includes training of police officers, teachers, students, doctors and nurses on LGBTQI+ issues. Rainbow Railroad provided funding to AC2 in 2022, enabling them to reach more people and amplify their advocacy efforts. Looking Ahead: Reaching Rural LGBTQI+ CommunitiesAC2 aims to expand its reach to people in rural areas who lack access to services. They aspire to have offices in all nine provinces of South Africa, which would make a significant difference. Currently, they have fully functional offices in two provinces and paralegals in two additional provinces.Mrs. Noxolo Mguni, Legal Associate, Access Chapter 2, describes the most rewarding part of the organization’s work as when a migrant finally receives their documentation and no longer has to live in fear. The most challenging aspects are engaging with state governments for prolonged court processes and the emotional toll of the work.To queer individuals facing difficulty, Noxolo reflects, “Making a difference starts with you. Don’t tolerate any harassment or violations—report any misconduct. Many matters go unreported, but if they were reported, they could lead to changes in laws and policies. People need to know that we will not accept any human rights violations.”Addressing the government, Noxolo says, “I would ask them to ensure their officials are sensitized and to pass the hate crimes bill.”Working in Solidarity for LGBTQI+ Equality in South AfricaNoxolo appreciates supporters of Rainbow Railroad, explaining that increased support for organizations like Rainbow Railroad also benefits organizations like AC2.To Noxolo, the queer community means freedom, expression, and refuge. To queer the system means creating an environment where queer people do not always have to fight for inclusion. 

Gathering for Advocacy: RCUSA Advocacy Days

This Pride season, you can support Rainbow Railroad’s vital work through our corporate partners.

In a powerful show of solidarity and support, Rainbow Railroad took part in the official launch of the Latin American Network on Forced Displacement in Mexico City from May 15 to 17. This pivotal event brought together queer organizations from across Latin America, united in their mission to address the urgent challenges faced by LGBTQI+ individuals forced to flee their homes through various migration routes in Latin America.The network's creation stems from a dire need to provide targeted support and advocacy for LGBTQI+ people on the move. With many countries in the region posing significant risks to queer individuals, the network fills a crucial gap. It's a unique, collective effort focused on addressing LGBTQI+ human mobility.Held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the launch saw participation from several embassies, including the American and Canadian Embassies, along with Mexican officials and the United Nations Refugee Agency. The event's timing, coinciding with the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia on May 17, underscored the global commitment to combating LGBTQI+ discrimination.Rainbow Railroad's role was significant. As a sub-granting organization of the ACTIF (Act Together for Inclusion Fund), the project that helped establish the network, we were not only witnesses but active participants, signing the declaration as allies of the network. This involvement highlights our dedication to supporting international initiatives that protect LGBTQI+ rights.The network comprises a remarkable coalition of organizations working tirelessly to support LGBTQI+ individuals across Latin America. These include Casa Frida from Mexico, Derechos Humanos y Diversidad AC from Argentina, Corporación Red Somos from Colombia, Asociación Lambda from Guatemala, and many others from countries including Venezuela, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Peru, Nicaragua, Ecuador, and Honduras.Danilo Manzano, the Executive Director of Diálogo Diverso and the current secretariat of the network, shares valuable insights on the network’s inception and its vital role: “The network was established to fill a critical gap, ensuring coordinated support for LGBTQI+ individuals in forced displacement. Its unique focus and collective governance make it stand out.” Danilo also highlights the importance of strengthening the network's capacity and international advocacy efforts.Looking forward, the network aims to secure funding for people living with HIV within its portfolio and enhance its internal structures for better international advocacy. Rainbow Railroad remains committed to collaborating with the network, identifying global opportunities for advocacy, and addressing the broader issues of forced displacement.Our participation in the Latin American Network on Forced Displacement launch is a testament to our ongoing commitment to global LGBTQI+ rights. By supporting initiatives like this, we continue to advocate for the safety and dignity of LGBTQI+ individuals worldwide, ensuring that those forced to flee their homes receive the support and protection they need.

In 2023, Rainbow Railroad received over 15,000 requests for help and provided support to 7,265 at-risk LGBTQI+ individuals around the world. Our Annual Report reflects the resilience of our community and the challenges we confront, offering insights from those we support, with the help of our invaluable partners.This report, which compiles witness accounts of LGBTQI+ persecution from around the world, demonstrates the strong trust that exists between Rainbow Railroad and individuals at risk. In the face of a troubling global rollback of LGBTQI+ rights, we know that our advocacy is an indispensable force for change and progress. We must challenge oppressive systems, demand action and accountability from governments, and foster solidarity internationally. Our mission stands clear, the need for our work has never been more stark. We collect data that is unique, offering insights into the experiences of individuals who reach out to us, as well as the broader landscape of the global queer forced displacement. This report is a snapshot of key data collected to inform our decision-making processes, which empowers us to enhance systems and prioritize advocacy efforts. We continue to leverage multilateral fora and international credibility to advocate and defend LGBTQI+ rights globally. Our efforts to secure government referral pathways have not only amplified protection and resettlement opportunities for LGBTQI+ individuals navigating displacement but have also yielded policy victories through strategic partnerships with the Canadian and US governments. June 20th is World Refugee Day, and this month is Pride Month. However, our work helping at-risk LGBTQI+ people is year-round. We are proud to share this report and use these findings to advocate for justice and protection for LGBTQI+ people at risk. We would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge our community of supporters for making this work possible. We hope that, in reading this report, you will appreciate the impact of your support and solidarity. You can support Rainbow Railroad's work today.You can download the full annual report in PDF format, or read it below. You can also download the executive summary, which provides a high-level overview of the contents of this year's report.   

Rainbow Railroad is deeply concerned and condemns the Biden Administration’s executive order that imposes severe restrictions on the right to seek asylum, putting those seeking refuge in harm's way.This unlawful ban violates U.S. and international refugee laws, endangers LGBTQI+ people at risk seeking safety at the border, and breaches the Presidential Memorandum on Advancing the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ Persons Around the World.The latest regulations will bar numerous individuals requiring international safeguards from seeking asylum. This will leave them in danger without a viable means of finding refuge and vulnerable to being sent back to life-threatening circumstances.Those asserting a genuine fear of persecution in their country of origin must be granted access to secure havens and have their cases thoroughly and fairly evaluated before any consideration of deportation or expulsion.At a time when there are more forcibly displaced people in the world than at any other time in recorded history, we need concrete solutions that uphold human rights, tackle underlying drivers of forced migration, and establish secure pathways to safety.In over 60 countries around the world, queer and trans people face persecution, simply because of who they are or who they love. Rainbow Railroad calls for Solidarity in Pride and a collective commitment to queer liberation.Seeking asylum is a human right. Queer and trans individuals seeking refuge in the U.S. are fleeing persecution in countries that criminalize their LGBTQI+ identity. This executive order breaks the Biden Administration’s promise to protect vulnerable LGBTQI+ refugees and asylum seekers.Rainbow Railroad calls on the United States to uphold its international obligations and urges the government to reconsider restrictions that undermine the fundamental right to seek asylum.

Jude Dawson is a gay man who uses the pronouns he, him, and handsome. He speaks about his experience resettling in France from Jamaica in vivid terms. “My experience resettling is like butter in the sun,” he says; it was extremely difficult to stay whole and survive. For many of the people Rainbow Railroad helps, leaving their home country is a last resort option, because of the immense challenges posed by resettling in another country. Because of operational constraints like visa availability, state surveillance, and changing laws, the number of resettlement countries is limited, and even when relocation is possible there can be major language, financial, and cultural barriers. This was the case with Jude. He didn’t speak French, and he experienced intense culture shock. By far the biggest challenge was an emotional one: letting go of the need to hide his true self. Day by day, he internalized the fact that being a gay man in France — a country with strong legal protections for LGBTQI+ people — was okay, and that he could live his life authentically. Starting to live authentically meant that he could also start processing the traumatic experiences he endured while living as a gay man in Jamaica. For the first time in his life, he was able to start planning a real long-term future for himself instead of just surviving from day to day. Jude first reached out to Rainbow Railroad in 2021 when he was attacked in public for living his life as a gay man. The attack left him hospitalized for weeks and was a turning point in his life, leading him to the realization that he could no longer stay in his country of birth. This was not the first time he’d suffered abuse either, and he came to the sad realization that he had a choice: continue running, hiding, and being attacked, or leave Jamaica and face all of the challenges of resettling in a new country.Rebuilding & Reconnecting: Finding Faith & Community in FranceWith the help of Rainbow Railroad, he is now safer in France, and rebuilding his life. Part of rebuilding his life has been reconnecting with his faith and making space for being both a Christian and a gay man. These days, he’s building community with the Unity Fellowship Church Global and, of course, continuing to be fabulous.When asked about Rainbow Railroad’sPride theme Solidarity in Pride, Jude shared: “To me, Solidarity in Pride means recognizing that our struggles and victories are interconnected, and standing together to uplift and protect one another, regardless of our differences. It’s about amplifying the voices of those most marginalized and working collectively towards a more inclusive and equitable world.” Jude continues to do the painstaking work of resettling in France. It’s only been a few years and much of his early resettlement was during the COVID-19 pandemic, when opportunities to socialize and find community were limited. Despite the difficulties of having to resettle across the world to live an ordinary life as his true fabulous self, he remains positive and has a hopeful message to all those struggling.“You are not alone,” he says. “Your identity is valid, and you deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. There is a community that stands with you in solidarity and supports you. Stay strong, and know that brighter days are ahead. You are worthy of love, acceptance, and equality. I am proof of that.”This year, Rainbow Railroad will receive more than 15,000 requests for help from LGBTQI+ people around the world experiencing persecution and violence simply because of who they are or who they love. Be a part of their journey from Persecution to Pride by making a donation and supporting our work.

In countries where LGBTQI+ people face legal persecution and constant mistreatment, openly advocating for queer and trans rights and freedoms can come at an incredible personal cost. Jannat Ali’s story exemplifies this reality.Hailing from Lahore in the Punjab province of Pakistan, Jannat is a high-profile activist who played a pivotal role in passing legislation that legally protected trans folks. She also founded the country’s first Transgender Pride in 2018 and advocates for the rights of the elderly and disabled. As a performer and artist — Jannat refers to herself as an “artivist” —  she uses her online channels to spread her message of justice and equality, and also to entertain. But, this was a double-edged sword, as she achieved greater visibility in a country where it can be dangerous to be openly trans and queer. It was Jannat’s courage to be a face for queer and trans rights in her country which made her a clear target.When Visibility Becomes a Liability"I was attacked and tortured in multiple ways…” she recounts. “They said that we were importing Western ideas that were against their religion."There was a time when Jannat thought she would be able to continue advocating for change in her home country, but that was before the attacks became relentless. As time wore on, and as her celebrity and visibility increased, her safety was constantly threatened. Yet, activism and fighting for justice are in her blood, and she refused to back down. At one point, she was travelling internationally and on a panel at a conference on global LGBTQI+ rights with staff from Rainbow Railroad. Rainbow Railroad team members told her on the sidelines that if things continued to worsen, she could reach out to them online for further assistance and consider relocating to a safer country. Unfortunately, things did continue to worsen for Jannat. "At one stage, I was attacked again, and that was the last straw. Rainbow Railroad came to my aid at that moment.”The connections that Rainbow Railroad staff make with people through text, phone, and email thousands of miles away are an opportunity to provide emotional support during very difficult times. Jannat remembers the importance of that communication, recalling that, “Rainbow Railroad was constantly in touch."  Starting a New Chapter in CanadaWith the help of Rainbow Railroad, Jannat eventually relocated to Toronto and began the painstaking process of rebuilding her life. Despite being physically unsafe in Pakistan, she had never lacked the basic essentials of life. In Canada, however, she felt precarious like never before. “I remember when I first moved to Toronto. Oh my god, it was so challenging, to be honest. Activism isn’t something I can stop. Now that I’m here in Toronto, I can see the challenges of newcomers.” These days, she’s thinking about the rights of refugees, and the injustices and indignities faced by those forced to flee across borders. As a newcomer artist in Toronto, she has navigated successes such as showcasing her work at Pride events and queer days of awareness like Transgender Day of Remembrance, and collaborated with fellow artists at South Asian cultural events. However, it can be challenging to break into the competitive art scene and access resources to sustain her artistic journey as a trans woman.For Jannat, the upcoming pride season represents a celebration of identity and a reaffirmation of resilience and solidarity within the LGBTQI+ community. "Empathy, compassion, and collective struggles are at the heart of my pride celebration this year," she explains. "We must stand together." Recently, Jannat was named the Trans Ambassador for Pride Toronto 2024. While she’s worried about the trans community’s future and acknowledges that several key activists are in danger, she is using this opportunity to amplify the voices of transgender individuals and advocate for greater visibility and inclusivity. "I feel hopeful, more committed, and more determined after being named the Trans Ambassador for Pride Toronto," she declares. "Never ever lose hope," she urges. "Try to be hopeful and positive, because we owe it to many generations of LGBTQI+ people going forward."Jannat also shares an important message with cis-hetero allies: “If you’re not part of the queer and trans community, here’s how you can help: Support Rainbow Railroad. The way this organization works so professionally to help people be safe is remarkable. Rainbow Railroad gives urgent support - moving people, supporting them emotionally or financially, and giving people a reminder that they are not alone, and that they are loved.” As we commemorate Pride and celebrate the victories of the LGBTQI+ community, let us draw inspiration from Jannat's resilience, commitment to justice, and her wish that no matter what, as queer and trans people, we don’t lose hope even in the worst of circumstances. This year, Rainbow Railroad will receive more than 15,000 requests for help from LGBTQI+ people around the world experiencing persecution and violence simply because of who they are or who they love. Be a part of their journey from Persecution to Pride by making a donation and supporting our work.

Originally from Jamaica, Persion left her home country to find refuge in Spain. Her story underscores the importance, for queer and trans people, of doing whatever’s needed to access the environments where we can be our authentic selves. For Persion, embracing one’s truth is what Pride is all about. Persion's arrival in Spain was not the end of her journey, but the beginning of a long process of self-actualization. In Jamaica and elsewhere in the Caribbean, trans people face extremely high levels of community violence in public spaces. Like so many trans people in Jamaica, she felt unsafe in her daily life. Faced with threats to her safety and well-being due to her identity as a transgender woman, Persion sought assistance from Rainbow Railroad.After relocating to Spain with the help of Rainbow Railroad, she finally felt safe to live her life as her authentic self, which she describes as a life-giving and transformative experience. Spain is one of the most LGBTQI+-friendly countries in the world, with robust legal protections for trans people."Resettling has been one of the greatest experiences in my life," she shares. "It has allowed me to completely reinvent myself and pursue some of my dreams and passions that I could never do when I lived in Jamaica."Considering Persion’s story against the larger context of queer and trans persecution globally is a daunting and sobering exercise. In 2022, Rainbow Railroad received over 10,000 requests for help from people experiencing similar levels of persecution and violence, simply for being their authentic selves. In 2023, that number increased to over 15,000. Every year, with the support of our communities, we help thousands of people facing community and family rejection, violence, and threats, but the need to help more people remains urgent. Now living her life in Spain, we asked Persion what Pride means to her. "Pride is the courage to embrace authenticity, the strength to love fearlessly, and the resilience to stand tall in the face of adversity," she asserts. "It's not just a celebration of who we are, but a testament to the power of acceptance and the beauty of diversity."Persion further reflected on Rainbow Railroad’s Pride theme, Solidarity in Pride. "For me, Solidarity in Pride embodies the idea of a shared commitment by the LGBTQI+ community and its allies to support and protect each other," she explains. "It is about reaching out to people in less tolerant parts of the world or in difficult situations, whether through advocacy, financial support, or raising awareness."Persion has another message to impart, one borne of the darkest days she experienced before being given a chance to reinvent herself in Spain."Hold onto your truth with unwavering strength," she advises. "Your existence is a celebration, your voice a revolution, and your life a precious contribution to a brighter future. Stay strong — you are truly remarkable."This year, Rainbow Railroad will receive more than 15,000 requests for help from LGBTQI+ people around the world experiencing persecution and violence simply because of who they are or who they love. Be a part of their journey from Persecution to Pride by making a donation and supporting our work.

Kitwana Kardashian is a trans and non-binary woman hailing from Jamaica. A few years ago, she began a monumental and gruelling journey that led her to travel across the world in search of the freedom to be herself. But this journey was about more than finding an environment where she could be herself, it was also a journey of literal survival. “I know if it wasn’t for Rainbow Railroad, if I hadn’t left Jamaica, I wouldn’t be alive today,” she says. In November 2017, after many trials and tribulations, Kitwana made the courageous decision to leave Jamaica. With the help of Rainbow Railroad, she departed for Spain, leaving everything she’d ever known behind.Reflecting on why she felt she had to leave, she remarks, “I couldn’t express how I feel. In that country, you’re not allowed to express your authentic self and just be who you are as a human being. If you fall outside the heterosexual man or woman boxes, you’re a nobody. You’re invisible."But it wasn’t just the emotional pain and suffering of having to hide her true self that led her to leave. When Kitwana began to volunteer with JFLAG (a Jamaican civil society organization dedicated to LGBTQI+ rights) her sister and mother received death threats. People even threatened to torch their house. Threats and acts of extreme violence are far too often experienced by LGBTQI+ people in Jamaica, and so many other places around the world where it’s simply unsafe to be openly queer or trans. Spain proved to be an initial reprieve for Kitwana. Living in Valencia, she was able to be her true self in public for the first time without a constant stream of insults and threats. But, Spain was far from ideal. Despite the country’s legal protections for LGBTQI+ people, she lived in a boarding house without a lot of privacy, where she didn’t always feel safe. And even though she embraced the challenge of learning Spanish, it was extremely difficult at first. She was also assaulted by her boss while working as a server at a restaurant. When she spoke out about this experience there was no accountability. After this experience, Kitwana decided to leave Spain for the U.S. A New Beginning: Building Community in the U.S.Despite the rising tide of anti-trans legislation in some U.S. states, the country has proven to be the place where Kitwana has been able to feel the safest and most integrated into a community. She now has her own apartment in New York, where she has been able to build a community and a meaningful social life. She has connected with members of the Jamaican queer and trans diaspora and has started volunteering for the Caribbean Equality Project, a non-profit that hosts Pride events and supports queer and trans Jamaicans in the New York area. She feels the freedom to be herself, and has begun to create community connections essential to mental health and wellness. Reflecting on her perilous journey as Pride season approaches, Kitwana has a few essential lessons she’s learned along the way. “If you’re experiencing persecution, never forget this. You have to know who you are and believe in who you are. Stay true to yourself, and demand the respect you deserve. It ain’t gonna be easy, but gradually as you find yourself internally, you’ll find the strength and courage to be outspoken, brave, queer, and fantastic. When we know who we are, that is our power.” She also believes that despite our different backgrounds, we must come together to celebrate and protest at Pride. “You can be trans, gay, lesbian, bi, queer, whatever. We were here. We are here. And we are GOING to be here. That’s the spirit of Pride,” she says.Recently, Kitwana met a state senator from New York who affirmed her belief in the importance of being her unapologetic authentic self. In a private meeting with other queer and trans people, the senator told those assembled that he felt privileged to be in their presence after all they had been through. For Kitwana, she recalled how before she left Jamaica, she would have felt privileged to be in this man’s presence, whereas now, it was him who expressed his sense of feeling privileged to be with her. This affirmed her belief in the need to stay true to who you are, and build your self-esteem. For Pride season, Kitwana calls for the LGBTQI+ community to embrace authenticity, stand united against discrimination, and strive for a world where every individual can live freely and authentically, regardless of who they are or who they love. This year, Rainbow Railroad will receive more than 15,000 requests for help from LGBTQI+ people around the world experiencing persecution and violence simply because of who they are or who they love. Be a part of their journey from Persecution to Pride by making a donation and supporting our work.