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As Senior Program Officer, Service Referrals and Post-Relocation Support, Kiana oversees much of Rainbow Railroad’s non-monetary support.

It has been almost three years since the Ugandan Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA) was signed into law, representing one of the most extreme pieces of anti-LBGTQI+ legislation in the world. In that time, the global LGBTQI+ movement has witnessed a notable decline in support for LGBTQI+ rights and movement building across various democratic, legal and humanitarian protection systems. Rainbow Railroad has been closely monitoring the situation in Uganda; since the passing of the AHA, we have received over 3,450 requests for help from Ugandan citizens. In October, Rainbow Railroad hosted a meeting with representatives from Dignity Network Canada, a delegation of advocates opposed to the AHA, the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, and trusted partner Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG) to discuss the impacts of the bill on human rights defenders and LGBTQI+ persons in Uganda. The Anti-Homosexuality Act: The Continued Impact of Legislated HatredThe AHA seeks to prohibit any form of same-sex intimacy and its promotion or recognition. Prior to the passing of the AHA, same-sex intimacy was already criminalized in Uganda. The Penal Code 1950 criminalizes acts of carnal knowledge against the order of nature’ and ‘gross indecency’, colonial-era provisions which were retained after independence, and are punishable by life in prison. The United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women ruled last year that criminalization of consensual, same-sex intimacy between women (and by extension, all people) is a human rights violation. Since the passing of the Anti-Homosexuality Act, these requests have grown exponentially with 291% increase compared to 2022. In 2023 alone, we witnessed a 2,057% surge in requests for Help from Uganda compared to the same period in 2022. Our advocacy has included the elevation of calls to action from Ugandan partners such as SMUG, with Canadian civil society and government representatives. Perspectives from the Ground: Coordinating with Local PartnersDuring the meetings hosted in October, our staff were briefed on the barriers faced by human rights defenders and the broader LGBTQI+ community since the passing of the bill.  Partners described how violence towards the LGBTQI+ community remains disproportionately widespread across all systems. There has been a significant rise in the number of internally displaced LGBTQI+ persons due to forced eviction of LGBTQI+ people, which is mandated by the AHA. SMUG also described how global donors operating in Uganda have begun removing any informational materials related to LGBTQI+ care from their programming, a clear indication of how organizations offering LGBTQI+ services are forced to self-censor any LGBTQI+ content for fear of legal or political reprisal. Coupled with the recent cuts to USAID funding for humanitarian aid, many healthcare centers and clinics have been forced to shut down. This erasure means that  many LGBTQI+ Ugandans are unable to access essential care with dignity and respectA representative from Westminster Foundation described how people perceived to be LGBTQI+ are subject to arbitrary arrests; they shared an example of three women who were detained for multiple  days and subjected to forensic testing merely for their suspected affiliation with the LGBTQI+ community. One human rights defender described the bill’s far-reaching effects in portraying LGBTQI+ identity as a threat to the state. They explained how Ugandan LGBTQI+ people have been legally classified as an “aggravated circumstance” under multiple laws, including the HIV Control and Prevention Act and the amended Penal Code. The Future of the LGBTQI+ Movement Across AfricaThis pattern is not unique to Uganda. This year alone, we have witnessed similar developments across the African continent, notably in West Africa, where evangelical coalitions and political regimes are promoting anti-LBGTQI+ sentiment under the guise of moral protection. One of our experts provided a real-life example of how global actors continue to fuel anti-LGBTQI+ rhetoric by investing $40 million in establishing “African Centre for the Rehabilitation of LGBTQI+ Persons” effectively creating a conversion therapy institution.In early 2026, Ugandans will head to the polls for a general election. Activists and human rights defenders anticipate heightened arrests and expect that violence and political scapegoating of LGBTQI+ persons will continue to rise. Local LGBTQI+ grassroots organizations such as SMUG remain vital lifelines in providing support to displaced LGBTQI+ peopleA Global Call to ActionStrengthening international partnerships and elevating the calls of local human rights defenders is critical in the ongoing resistance to the anti-LBGTQI+ movement. As far-right and evangelical groups intensify radicalization efforts through political and religious systems, Rainbow Railroad continues to provide ongoing support to Uganda. We have fostered over 15 partnerships with grassroots LGBTQI+ organizations, and provided direct support to over 2,517 people, in the form of advocacy, livelihood assistance and shelter. We call on civil society and governments to continue to support the efforts of the LGBTQI+ movement in Uganda.Canadian Civil Society Organizations can support by: Pressing demand for broader sensitization and capacity building on LGBTQI+ issues, particularly through Know Your Rights workshops. There is an urgent need for sustained engagement with members of Parliament as well as enforcement agencies, acknowledging that many remain unaware of the lived realities and needs of queer communities. Both SMUG and Westminster Foundation have initiated targeted advocacy with MPs, including those involved in youth affairs.Ensuring that key advocates are “in the room,”  informed of agendas and positioned to speak out is critical. For example, participation in forums such as the Family Values Conference has proven effective in influencing public opinion and challenging anti-rights narratives. Our guest shared how the lack of civic spaces to convene has an impact on the momentum of the LGBTQI+ movement. Since the passing of the AHA, avenues for human rights defenders and LGBTQI+  Ugandans people to convene have become nearly non-existent. Organizations cannot afford to ensure consistent representation. For example, only one delegate could attend the ILGA Conference instead of a broader delegation of 20 MPs and advocates. This restricts engagement in both global and local policy dialogues and undermines the visibility of queer rights advocacy in international fora.Producing shadow reports and coalition-led studies helps to amplify local realities and equip advocates with data to challenge existing discriminatory laws. invaluable in building momentum within the  Ugandan LGBTQI movement, offering up practical tools for those on the ground.Engaging the private sector, especially large corporations in the global north. These entities can exert significant influence by publicly opposing regressive laws and adopting internal policies aligned with human rights principles.Encouraging the Government of Canada to mandate inclusive language and policy commitments in its international programming. Canada continues to act as both a convener and amplifier in global advocacy spaces and provides humanitarian assistance to LGBTQI+ movements.

Jannat is a trans woman, activist and artist originally from Lahore, Pakistan. For years, her life was rooted in public visibility and resistance — organizing, advocating, and creating space for trans joy in a country where being openly transgender can be dangerous.“I spent many years fighting for the rights of trans people back home, from organizing the first Trans Pride Pride in Pakistan in 2018 to advocating for legal protections within our legislature,” she shares.For a time, there was cautious hope. Pakistan’s Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, passed in 2018, offered legal recognition of self-identified gender and opened pathways to identity documents, employment, healthcare, and public participation. But that progress began to unravel.In May 2023, Pakistan’s Federal Shariat Court ruled that key provisions of the Act, including legal recognition of gender identity, were “against Islamic injunctions,” stripping away protections many transgender people relied on for safety and dignity. Human rights organizations and trans activists warned that the ruling weakened legal safeguards, leaving trans people more vulnerable to harassment, discrimination, and violence. In its wake, many cases of abuse went unreported, as legal recourse and recognition disappeared.Jannat felt the impact firsthand and her visibility came at a cost. As anti-LGBTQI+ laws, stigma, and violence intensified, Jannat became increasingly unsafe. “Because of my visibility and activism, I began to face increasing threats to my safety,” she says. “With the support of Rainbow Railroad, I was able to relocate to Toronto, Canada, where I continue my work while rebuilding my life in a place that offers relative safety and space for freedom of expression.”Across the world, LGBTQI+ people are being criminalized simply for who they are — forced to flee not because they choose to leave, but because staying could mean imprisonment, violence, or death. Jannat’s story reflects a growing global crisis of forced displacement driven by anti-trans legislation and persecution.Rebuilding, Creating, BelongingIn Canada, Jannat has begun the complex work of rebuilding. Safety did not instantly erase loss, grief, or uncertainty, but it did make room for healing and growth.“I’ve become more compassionate not just with others, but with myself,” Jannat reflects. “Starting anew in Canada showed me that healing and building can happen together, even when life feels uncertain.”Over the past year, moments of pride and resilience have stood out. Being named Trans Ambassador for Pride Toronto allowed her to bring joy to the trans community during public celebrations. She also represented queer refugee voices in policy spaces, including advocacy at the Canadian Council for Refugees.“I felt especially proud when I saw my art and activism bring people together, especially with Pride Toronto, and community performances that fused my kathak storytelling dance,” she says. “It reminded me that visibility can be powerful when it uplifts others.”Yet challenges remain. “The hardest part has been rebuilding a sense of stability while still grieving the safety I lost in Pakistan,” Jannat shares. “I miss family, familiar rhythms, and the direct work with my community back home.”“Home has transformed from a physical place to a state of belonging,” she adds. “Canada is a home of opportunity and safety, but my heart still carries Pakistan. Home now holds both pain and possibility.”A New Year and an Urgent Call to ActAs the new year begins, Jannat carries both hope and determination. “I’m hopeful for more community spaces where queer refugees can thrive, where art, culture, and advocacy meet healing and safety,” she says. She is determined to “use my voice to build platforms for trans and queer refugees, spaces where their stories are not just heard but celebrated. Therapy through dance.”For Jannat, safety today is deeply personal and profoundly political. “Feeling safe means I can walk outside as my authentic self without fear, speak openly without threat, and create without compromise,” she explains. “It means my identity is respected and protected not just legally, but socially.”She wants the world to understand that refugee journeys do not end at arrival. “It’s not just about reaching safety, it’s about rebuilding identity, staying connected with roots, culture, and belonging, which takes time, compassion, and care from everyone around us.”And she offers this reminder: “Trans refugees are not just stories of pain — we are artists, teachers, dreamers, and community builders. And when we rise, we rise together.”As anti-LGBTQI+ laws continue to force people to flee their homes, stories like Jannat’s underscore both the urgency of this crisis and the power of solidarity. Your support helps ensure that trans and queer people facing persecution can reach safety, and rebuild their lives with dignity.Donate today to help LGBTQI+ refugees find safety, community, and hope in the year ahead.

"Supporting queer refugees is not a nice-to-have; it’s a need-to-have. We’re in this together, that’s the whole point of community.”

Rainbow Railroad is currently participating in the Global Refugee Forum (GRF) 2025 Progress Review in Geneva. The GRF marks a critical moment to maintain momentum and assess progress on pledges made in 2023 by states, non-profits, international non-governmental organizations, and private sector actors to protect refugees. Since the last GRF in 2023, the global humanitarian landscape has shifted dramatically. What began as a crisis shaped by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic has evolved into an overlapping polycrisis: the rise of anti-gender movements and authoritarian governance, shrinking humanitarian aid, and increasingly impenetrable borders. Together, these trends signal that refugee protection systems are being retooled not to help people survive forced displacement, but to prevent movement altogether. In this context, forcibly displaced LGBTQI+ people remain among those most at risk and most often left behind.Globally, wealthier countries host fewer refugees and continue to externalize asylum responsibilities, placing growing pressure on Global South countries to contain displacement, often without adequate resources or safeguards. These shifts have real consequences. In Canada, for example, recent migration reforms such as Bill C-12 - introduced as “integrity measures”- risk narrowing access to refugee protection and further disadvantaging LGBTQI+ refugees, whose claims already face heightened scrutiny and systemic barriers.Against this backdrop, Rainbow Railroad made seven pledges at the GRF in 2023, including commitments to carve out safer LGBTQI+ resettlement pathways, provide relocation support, and foster movement-building initiatives such as the Queer Forced Displacement Initiative. Central to this work is a commitment to LGBTQI+ refugee leadership, ensuring that forcibly displaced and stateless LGBTQI+ people have a meaningful voice in decisions that shape their lives, as well as ensuring that the needs and experiences of LGBTQI+ refugees are no longer invisible within global refugee systems.One of the clearest examples of progress we have made toward our pledges is the Government-Assisted Refugee partnership with the Canadian government—a landmark LGBTQI+-specific pathway allowing Rainbow Railroad to directly refer up to 250 at-risk LGBTQI+ refugees each year without requiring UNHCR recognition. Since the start of the year, 87 people have safely arrived in 16 cities across Canada. This demonstrates what is possible when political courage meets queer expertise. Additionally, through our Queer Forced Displacement Initiative and other movement-building programs, we have invested over $1M CAD in 80 organizations to address the root causes of LGBTQI+ forced displacement, protection and community integration support for queer and trans refugees.Despite this progress, at-risk LGBTQI+ people continue to be subjected to multiple forms of persecution—from discrimination to death, and shrinking access to resettlement pathways. Nearly half of Rainbow Railroad’s clients report surviving violence, including LGBTQI+ people living in refugee camps. And, the collapse of refugee resettlement pathways in the United States increased risk for LGBTQI+ people in life-threatening situations.As we look ahead to the Global Refugee Forum in 2027, Rainbow Railroad remains committed to investing in LGBTQI+ organizations globally, sustaining our data-driven and movement-building Queer Forced Displacement Initiative, expanding access to resettlement pathways for LGBTQI+ refugees, and providing cash assistance to at-risk LGBTQI+ people in their countries of residence.Rainbow Railroad continues to ensure that LGBTQI+ refugees are visible, protected, and supported within global refugee responses. As we take stock in Geneva, one principle must remain clear: “Ubuntu, I am because you are.” In that spirit, LGBTQI+ refugees cannot and will not be left behind. We call on our community to sustain these efforts and help us achieve our GRF pledge goals over the next two years in preparation for the next GRF in 2027. You can support by contributing to our 60in60 campaign, and echoing our call for governments to expand resettlement pathways for LGBTQI+ refugees.

For many LGBTQI+ refugees, arriving in Canada is meant to mark the end of a long journey toward safety. But the struggle doesn’t stop at the border. Racism, transphobia, and homophobia can still surface in shelters, workplaces, and even newcomer communities. Finding stable housing, meaningful employment, or affirming healthcare often feels like an uphill climb. And for those still processing the trauma of persecution and displacement, isolation can deepen the pain.It’s this reality that moved Christopher, Executive Director of the African Centre for Refugees (ACR), to create a space where LGBTQI+ newcomers could find healing, connection, and belonging.“The African Centre for Refugees is a newcomer-led, volunteer-driven registered charity,” Christopher explains. “We support LGBTQI+ refugees, asylum seekers, and newcomers from Africa and other regions who are rebuilding their lives in Canada after fleeing persecution. Our mission is to create safe spaces, promote inclusion, and provide practical assistance from housing support and peer counseling to community education and advocacy for queer and trans migrants.”Founded in 2019 by LGBTQI+ newcomers with lived experience of displacement, ACR emerged as a grassroots initiative determined to fill the gaps left by larger agencies.“Our work is driven by lived experience and the belief that every newcomer deserves dignity, belonging, and safety,” Christopher says. “We saw a clear need for culturally specific, trauma-informed support that larger agencies often overlooked. This sense of solidarity and mutual care continues to inspire our team today.”A Lifeline of Connection and CareWith support from Rainbow Railroad’s Community Access Fund, ACR launched Pulse Chat, a peer-led mental health and communication program providing both virtual and in-person support for LGBTQI+ newcomers.“This funding allowed us to maintain weekly sessions covering topics like coping with trauma, finding safe housing, immigration information, and building confidence in a new environment,” Christopher explains.The funding also helped ACR provide internet access subsidies, translation support, and small stipends for facilitators with lived experience, ensuring that the community could lead and sustain the work themselves.Through the grant, the organization also delivered virtual mental health sessions, emergency food and transit assistance, referral services, peer mentorship programs, and capacity building for volunteers and facilitators. The impact was far-reaching.“We reached over 150 LGBTQI+ newcomers and refugees in Toronto and the surrounding regions,” says Christopher. “Many participants reported improved mental health, stronger social connections, and renewed confidence to engage in community life. Several have since become peer leaders themselves — showing the ripple effect of this support.”One moment, in particular, stands out to her.“A transgender woman who had just arrived from Uganda shared how the Pulse Chat became her ‘first safe space’ in Canada,” Christopher recalls. “Through our sessions, she found both emotional support and connections that helped her secure stable housing. Her transformation from isolation to empowerment embodies what this fund made possible.”Trust, Flexibility, and Lived ExperienceFor Christopher and her team, receiving support from the Community Access Fund meant more than just financial relief — it was validation. “Receiving this funding was deeply affirming,” she says. “It validated the work of grassroots, newcomer-led initiatives and recognized that people with lived experience of displacement are best positioned to lead change.”And the trust-based approach made a meaningful difference. Unlike many traditional grants, Rainbow Railroad’s model emphasizes flexibility.“Their trust-based, low-barrier approach gave us freedom to design projects based on real community needs, rather than strict institutional frameworks,” Christopher explains. “Their flexibility allowed us to respond quickly to emergencies, such as helping newcomers find safe spaces, while maintaining accountability and transparency.”She believes this kind of partnership offers valuable lessons for larger organizations and funders. Authentic community impact, she says, flourishes when relationships and trust come before bureaucracy. “Grassroots groups often understand their communities in ways that data can’t capture,” she notes. “When funders remove unnecessary red tape and center lived experience, real change happens.”Building a More Inclusive CanadaLooking ahead, Christopher and her team hope to expand their reach by creating a Community Resource and Wellness Hub — a dedicated space for LGBTQI+ newcomers to gather, learn, and thrive.Their vision is clear: a future where every queer refugee in Canada finds safety, belonging, and opportunity.Christopher's message to allies and supporters is equally clear: solidarity starts with listening. “Understand the lived experiences of LGBTQI+ migrants. Offer your time, your resources, your voice. Small acts — attending an event, donating, volunteering — can make a big difference.”She pauses, reflecting on how far ACR has come — and how much work remains. “We’re not just offering services,” she says softly. “We’re rebuilding lives, restoring hope, and creating a more inclusive Canada for all.” Help sustain transformative grassroots programs like this. Donate today and support community-led initiatives that help LGBTQI+ refugees find safety, stability, and belonging. 

Adam and Sami’s love story began quietly in a small Moroccan town. “We met in 2023 and spent wonderful days together,” they shared. “But soon suspicions arose because we live in a small town and people around us started noticing. Despite this, our bond grew stronger and being together gave us comfort and happiness.”That comfort quickly gave way to fear. When their families discovered their relationship, the young couple — Adam, 23, and Sami, 19 — suddenly faced the very real threat of violence and death. “We lived in constant fear,” they said. “Every day was terrifying, and there was no place we could call safe. We were trapped in a life with no privacy, no security, and constant anxiety. Our meals were limited, and our income was unstable. We had no hope of a future.”For many LGBTQI+ people living in countries where same-sex relationships are criminalized, stories like Adam and Sami’s are tragically common. What’s far less common is access to the kind of support that can transform a life.A Lifeline When Everything Seemed LostAdam and Sami first learned about Rainbow Railroad when they were in desperate need of help. “They came into our lives like a miracle,” they said. “They gave us life, hope, and a future when everything seemed lost.”Through emergency cash assistance, Rainbow Railroad covered what they needed to stay safe and start rebuilding — from identification cards and passports to housing, food, medical care, and travel expenses. “They took care of every detail,” Adam and Sami explained. “They even organized and covered everything we needed to leave Morocco safely, including plane tickets, clothes, and accommodations.”For the first time, they could imagine a future beyond fear. “Their help meant that for the first time, we felt completely safe and could start dreaming about the future.”Independence, Dignity, and a Future Free from FearCash assistance doesn’t just keep people alive — it helps them rebuild with independence and dignity. “The cash assistance allowed us to access a stable home, food, healthcare, documents, and everything necessary to rebuild our lives,” they said. “It gave us independence, dignity, and the ability to plan a future free from fear.”Before receiving help, their lives were precarious. “We lived in a tiny room, two meters by three, on the roof of a building with no privacy and no security. Every night was filled with fear. Every day we worried about our safety and survival. Without Rainbow Railroad, we would not be alive today, and our dreams would have been impossible.”Adam and Sami’s story is a testament to the power of direct, flexible financial support — and to the donors who make it possible. “Because of their generosity, we could finally feel hope, safety, and freedom,” they said. “We are forever grateful to the entire Rainbow Railroad team. Their kindness restored our faith in humanity. Their support changed our lives completely and gave us a chance to live fully.”“You Are Not Alone”Now, in a safer place, Adam and Sami are beginning to think about the future — not just for themselves, but for others who are still at risk. “Newcomers need safety, shelter, food, healthcare, education, understanding, acceptance, and emotional support,” they said. “By listening, offering help, and standing against discrimination, people can give LGBTQI+ newcomers hope, dignity, and a chance to dream again.”For them, queer liberation means “being able to live openly without fear, to love freely, and express ourselves honestly. It is about safety, respect, dignity, and the chance to build a better future.”Their message to others facing persecution is one of hope: “You are not alone. Stay strong, believe in yourself, and never give up hope. Even in the darkest times, remember that your life has value and that there are people who care and support you.”The Need Has Never Been GreaterRainbow Railroad’s immediate cash support program is a lifeline for people like Adam and Sami — a lifeline that depends on donor generosity. Each dollar provides urgent food, safe shelter, travel, and the chance to rebuild a life with dignity.Adam and Sami’s journey was made possible because someone, somewhere, chose to give. You can be that someone. Donate today to help LGBTQI+ people in danger find safety and hope.

We are currently living through a period of profound global regression. A coordinated anti-gender backlash is actively dismantling international human rights frameworks and fuelling forced displacement at unprecedented levels.In times of crisis, the needs of LGBTQI+ refugees are often invisibilized and overlooked within the design of both humanitarian and refugee protection systems.  Rainbow Railroad works at the intersection of multiple and overlapping crises: climate collapse, political repression, armed conflict, and a dangerous rise in anti-LGBTQI+ hate. Each year, we receive tens of thousands of requests for assistance from LGBTQI+ individuals seeking urgent international protection.These requests are more than just cries for help. They are data. They reveal a troubling pattern,  the convergence of democratic backsliding with rising anti-LGBTQI+ sentiments in places like Afghanistan, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Yemen, and Pakistan.This erosion is particularly dangerous for LGBTQI+ refugees living in transit countries, many of whom face criminalization, violence, and state-sponsored persecution. For many LGBTQI+ people impacted by forced displacement, third-country resettlement is not merely a legal mechanism; it is a vital means of protection. It is a lifeline. Yet last year, less than 5% of individuals seeking Rainbow Railroad’s assistance had UNHCR-registered refugee status.Standing in Brave SpacesAt Rainbow Railroad, we believe that building durable solutions for LGBTQI+ forced displacement begins with centering the expertise and stories of LGBTQI+ refugees at every stage of our advocacy.In June, Rainbow Railroad joined the Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (IE SOGI), Graeme Reid, for the release of his groundbreaking report on LGBTQI+ forced displacement at the 59th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva.As a global advocate, Rainbow Railroad seeks to carve out spaces where LGBTQI+ refugees can directly advocate for and shape the design of inclusive humanitarian protection policies, expanding visibility and safety within systems that are, by design, exclusionaryIn co-sponsorship with ILGA World and with the support of the Group of Friends of the IE SOGI, we hosted a side event that brought together over 100 state representatives, activists, academics, individuals with lived experience, NGOs, and UN agencies for a dedicated dialogue on LGBTQI+ forced displacement. At the event we observed a noticeable gap left by the absence of the United States, which had previously held a strong leadership role in advancing protection for LGBTQI+ individuals and promoting diverse global interests. Rainbow Railroad was also able to leverage its consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) to provide access to 17 individuals, enabling them to advocate for LGBTQI+ rights at the highest levels of the UN. ECOSOC status enables Rainbow Railroad and its partners to participate in nearly all major UN events, enabling opportunities for legitimate contributions to relevant subject matter.Leading from Lived ExperienceAmong the participants was Basel Hamrah, founding member and leader of Rainbow Refuge, a newcomer centre based in Edmonton, Alberta. Basel is an active member of the Canadian Council for Refugees and advocates for the transformative power of resettlement pathways. Basel’s story is emblematic of many people who have been impacted by forced displacement and who now serve in leadership roles within their communities. The creation of such side events provides a platform where LGBTQI+ advocates and allies can add value and depth to ongoing discussions on refugee protections while calling for concrete, sustained action to support forcibly displaced LGBTQI+ persons across all humanitarian protection mechanisms.As the queer movement faces growing repression, standing brave in contentious spaces is not only symbolic but also strategic. The renewal of the IE SOGI’s mandate ensures that this critical work, data collection, reporting, and advocacy can continue over the next three years. And with it, Rainbow Railroad renews its commitment to keeping the rights of forcibly displaced  LGBTQI+ people and refugees at the centre of humanitarian and refugee protection systems.  

When Asher and their partner fled Yemen, they left everything behind — their home, their community, and the life they had once imagined for themselves. “Leaving was not an easy decision,” they recalled. “But it was the only way to stay alive and have the chance to live freely as myself.”In Yemen, being openly queer can be deadly. For Asher, a non-binary, queer person, every day was filled with fear and uncertainty. “We were being followed and threatened, and every day felt more dangerous,” they said. “In our desperation, I reached out to a Yemeni trans man who shared a link to Rainbow Railroad’s ‘Request Help’ form. That moment changed everything. It gave us a small but real sense of hope that maybe we could survive and find safety.”Cash Support That Meant SurvivalEven after connecting with Rainbow Railroad, Asher's journey to safety wasn’t immediate. Before they could leave, Asher and their partner faced homelessness. “At one point, we were about to end up on the street, in a place where finding a job or any kind of assistance was impossible,” they said. “We felt completely hopeless.”That’s when Rainbow Railroad’s cash assistance program made a life-changing difference. “We reached out to our case worker at Rainbow Railroad, and she provided the support we needed. Her help gave us stability and safety when we had nowhere else to turn.”The funds helped Asher pay for basic necessities — housing, food, and daily living costs — at a time when safety was fragile and opportunities were scarce. “The support we received helped us cover housing and our household expenses. It meant we had a safe place to stay, food to eat, and stability during one of the hardest times in our lives,” Asher said. “Without that support, we would have ended up in the streets of a queer-phobic place.”Building Stability in CanadaWhen Asher finally arrived in Canada, they found freedom — but also new challenges. Like many newcomers, they faced high living costs, limited income, and the stress of starting over in an unfamiliar country. That’s where another lifeline, Rainbow Railroad’s Housing and Livelihood Assistance Fund (HLAF), came in.“Because of the HLAF grant, I was able to pay off a portion of my credit card debt, which I had used to cover my rent from the previous month,” Asher said. “The financial assistance we receive from the federal government isn’t enough to meet all basic needs, so this support helped me catch up and breathe a little easier.”For Asher, this relief wasn’t just financial — it was transformative. “Rainbow Railroad not only helped me survive but also gave me the chance to start over, to live freely, and to dream about a future again,” they said. “Their support changed my life completely. It gave me safety when I had none and hope when I was losing it. It gave me the stability and dignity I needed to rebuild myself. Without their help, I don’t think I would have made it this far.From Fear to FreedomNow in Canada, Asher is beginning to heal. They describe queer liberation as “living without fear — the freedom to exist, to love, and to express myself without hiding who I am.”“What makes me hopeful about the future is the freedom I have now to live as myself and build a new life,” they shared. “I’m surrounded by people who accept me for who I am, and that gives me strength. I’m also hopeful when I see more people standing up for LGBTQ+ rights around the world. It reminds me that change is possible.”Asher knows that the path to safety and freedom starts with compassion — and immediate, tangible support. “Without the cash assistance and HLAF grant, I don’t know how I would have managed to stay safe or keep a roof over my head,” they said. “You’re not just helping with money. You’re giving people like me a chance to rebuild, to feel human again, and to believe in a better future.”Compassion Knows No BordersAcross the world, thousands of LGBTQI+ people like Asher are facing violence and persecution simply for being themselves. Many have no access to shelter, food, or basic safety — and are waiting for help that can’t come soon enough.Your donation to Rainbow Railroad can provide life-changing help through immediate cash support programming right now. Give today. Help someone find safety, stability, and hope — just like Asher.

When Vivi’r LGBTQ+ began in 2019, it was little more than a handful of Spanish-speaking LGBTQ+ newcomers in Toronto gathered to share stories, frustrations, and hopes for a safer, more inclusive future. Six years later, the grassroots group has grown into a vital community hub — providing workshops, advocacy, and support to refugees and asylum seekers navigating life in Canada.Breaking Barriers for Spanish-Speaking Newcomers“Vivi’r LGBTQ+ started as a small community group in response to the lack of access to culturally and linguistically appropriate support for Spanish-speaking LGBTQ+ refugees and newcomers,” said Viviana, Chair of Vivi’r LGBTQ+. “We wanted to create a space where people felt seen, heard, and supported.”Today, Vivi’r LGBTQ+ focuses on legal education, community outreach, and advocacy for individuals who face language barriers and systemic discrimination. For many newcomers, especially those fleeing persecution, even basic systems — from immigration paperwork to healthcare — can feel insurmountable.“Some of the biggest challenges include navigating complex immigration systems, overcoming language barriers, and dealing with trauma from discrimination and forced migration,” said Maria, the organization’s Secretary. “Many also struggle to find culturally competent legal and mental health support.”The Power of Trust-Based Funding That’s where Rainbow Railroad’s Community Access Fund comes in. Vivi’r LGBTQ+ was among the first recipients of the newly launched fund, which supports grassroots initiatives helping LGBTQI+ migrants and refugees access safety and belonging. The funding allowed Vivi’r LGBTQ+ to strengthen Vivi’r Empoderando, a monthly workshop series designed to educate, empower, and connect newcomers.“Through this funding, we provided legal information sessions, financial literacy, community safety and crime prevention, and labour exploitation and human trafficking prevention.,” Maria explained. “These sessions have helped reduce isolation, increase community safety, and empower participants to advocate for themselves and others.”Over the past year, the organization reached more than 100 Spanish-speaking LGBTQI+ newcomers — an impact that extends far beyond the numbers. For many participants, the workshops have been the first time they’ve had access to legal guidance in their language, or a space to share experiences without fear of judgment or misunderstanding.“Receiving this funding was deeply meaningful,” Viviana said. “It validated our work and allowed us to continue serving people in need. We are incredibly grateful to Rainbow Railroad for the Community Access Fund, as well as for offering additional support and resources to continue growing our presence and visibility.”The funding also came with something that grassroots organizations rarely experience: trust. Rainbow Railroad’s low-barrier, community-driven approach allowed Vivi’r LGBTQ+ to focus on its mission instead of red tape. “Rainbow Railroad’s trust-based, low-barrier approach made the process accessible and empowering,” Maria shared. “We felt respected as partners and were able to focus on meeting community needs rather than navigating complex administrative requirements.”Expanding Hope and Building FuturesThat flexibility, the pair say, is key to meaningful partnership. “Larger organizations can learn the value of flexibility, trust, and direct engagement with communities,” Viviana emphasized. “Grassroots partnerships allowfor more responsive, culturally relevant support and foster genuine relationships that drive meaningful change.”Looking ahead, Vivi’r LGBTQ+ plans to expand its programming even further. “We are adding information on how to enter post-secondary education after receiving a favourable decision on a refugee claim, as well as other resources to support integration,” Maria said. “Our vision is a community where all LGBTQ+ newcomers feel safe, supported, and empowered to build new lives in Canada.”Their hope is that the Community Access Fund will continue to reach groups like theirs — small but mighty organizations that understand their communities best. “Together, we can create safer, more welcoming communities for LGBTQ+ migrants and refugees,” Viviana said.For those who want to help, their message is clear: get involved. “Listen to the needs of newcomers and offer practical support — whether through volunteering, donating, or advocating for inclusive policies,” Viviana said. “Building trust and showing up consistently makes a real difference.”Grassroots leaders like Maria and Viviana prove that when communities are trusted to lead, real transformation follows. The Community Access Fund isn’t just funding programs — it’s fueling resilience, belonging, and hope.Donate today to Rainbow Railroad’s 60in60 campaign to help grassroots groups like Vivi’r LGBTQ+ continue their life-changing work with LGBTQI+ refugees and newcomers.

When Rebaz talks about his work at Rainbow Railroad, it’s clear this isn’t just a job — it’s a continuation of a lifelong commitment to human rights.“I’m a newcomer who moved to Canada in 2017 to work on Indigenous rights advocacy, and did that for four years before starting to work with newcomers and asylum seekers,” he explains. “Before moving to Canada, I was a lawyer and a human rights activist in Iraq, focusing on ethno-religious minority rights, along with women's rights and legal reforms towards gender parity.”“This work included LGBTQI+ rights but under different titles, such as ‘Youth Rights,’ to avoid the government's censorship,” he recalls. “For example, in 2012, I led a project that documented the targeting of LGBTQI+ youth in Baghdad in a killing campaign fueled by religious leaders.”That history informs every part of what he does today.A Mission That Resonates DeeplyAt Rainbow Railroad, Rebaz serves as Program Officer for Emergency Travel Support and Cash Assistance. His days are anything but predictable.“On a typical day, I'm meeting with clients, conducting needs assessment, providing financial and non-financial resources, developing relocation plans and backup plans, and preparing the individuals to travel,” he says. “Sometimes my day includes being up at 2 am to support an individual travelling at that time, and other times my entire day is spent looking at a computer researching routes or drafting letters of support.”The work reminds him of his grassroots activism back home. “What Rainbow Railroad does is very unique, in terms of subverting the system through hands-on actions that change people's lives in a way that we can see and measure clearly,” he says. “In Iraq, I was a part of a grassroots network of activists that helped relocate at-risk LGBTQI+ youth to safety through personal connections. When I came across Rainbow Railroad's Emergency Travel Support program, it resonated a lot with what I did back in Iraq, and why I did it.”One moment that solidified his commitment was the crackdown on LGBTQI+ communities in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq in 2021. “My inability to contribute to the struggle there was my motivation to join Rainbow Railroad, hoping to channel that energy to support vulnerable members of the LGBTQI+ community on this side,” he explains.The Rewards and Challenges of Emergency SupportThe work is both rewarding and heartbreaking. “When a client arrives at a country where they aren't afraid of being who they are and share their joy with me,” he says, “that’s the most rewarding aspect of my role.”But the obstacles can be daunting. “The constant erosion of LGBTQI+ rights coincides with the increased limitations of who we can relocate and to where, putting the struggle for LGBTQI+ in perspective within the larger wave of erosion of rights,” he says. “The right to claim asylum is becoming all but inaccessible with the multitude of roadblocks constantly being erected by the Global North governments, and that includes the shift in attitude at home when it comes to Canadian society's acceptance of immigrants and asylum seekers.”On the hardest days, he admits, the failures weigh heavily. “The most challenging part of my role? When a travel plan that I've been working on for months fails.”What keeps him going is a mantra he carries with him: “If I'm not contributing to the solution, then I'm a part of the problem.”Grounded in Strength and BalanceFor Rebaz, inspiration often comes from seeing others succeed. “Reading or hearing about stories of success,” he says, is what fuels him.Outside of work, he turns to the outdoors and creative pursuits to recharge: “Camping, hiking, trail running and basically anything outdoors” brings him joy. He also admits with a smile: “I do leatherwork when I have free time, and I'm not half-bad at it.”Why Support MattersFor supporters and donors, Rebaz has a clear message: “While donating to any social justice cause contributes to making the world a better place on a general level, your donation to Rainbow Railroad changes the lives of each person we support directly and immediately. You can help us continue making the world a better place, one person at a time.”And if there’s one thing he wishes more people understood about this work, it’s that numbers only tell part of the story. “Every case we work on is unique; each person has different needs and wishes, and deals with a different set of challenges and complications, and the client’s strength is sometimes the main factor to make a relocation attempt successful.”Stories like Rebaz’s show that our work is sustained by compassion in action. Whether you give your time, your voice, or your resources, you can help us create more pathways to safety for LGBTQI+ people around the world.

On October 30, 2025, Rainbow Railroad was warned that the Russian government formally blocked access to the organization's website in keeping with the Supreme Court’s decision to classify the “International LGBTQI+ Movement” as an extremist organization. This decision is part of a decade of escalating repression, including the expansion of the 2013 “gay propaganda” law and the 2023 bans on gender-affirming healthcare, legal gender recognition, and family rights for transgender people. Any public discussion of sexual orientation or gender identity is now effectively criminalized. For more than a decade, Rainbow Railroad has intervened in Russia to protect at-risk LGBTQI+ Russians fleeing persecution. At the height of the anti-gay purge in Chechnya, Rainbow Railroad was among the first international organizations on the ground, supporting emergency evacuations and creating pathways to safety for LGBTQI+ people from Russia. Since the latest wave of anti-LGBTQI+ criminalization, Russia remains one of the top ten countries from which we receive requests for help. In 2023, at the height of the Russian and Ukraine war, we received 464 requests from Russia and facilitated 15 emergency relocations. To date, we have supported a total of 65 individuals at extreme risk to reach safer destinations in Argentina, France and Spain.What is unfolding in Russia does not exist in isolation. This campaign of repression is part of a wider global backlash. Just this year, Hungary adopted a new law criminalizing consensual same-sex relations and the so-called “promotion” of homosexuality. The same rhetoric of “protecting tradition” is being deployed across surrounding regions, such as Azerbaijan, to dismantle civil society and erase queer existence from public life.Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, many LGBTQI+ Russians have fled to neighbouring countries such as Armenia, Georgia, and Poland to escape conscription and repression, only to face renewed stigma and lack of legal protection as a result of their sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC). In this context, the banning of Rainbow Railroad’s website carries grave consequences. Its shutdown directly cuts off a critical gateway to refugee protection, particularly in a time when international sanctions have already narrowed options for safe exit, and the few remaining destinations where LGBTQI+ Russians can still enter, including Türkiye, remain unsafe for queer and trans people.For many forcibly displaced LGBTQI+ Russians, Rainbow Railroad’s website serves as a critical entry point to safety, access to vital information and assessment of protection options. As Pride symbols are outlawed, Russian civil society is silenced, and the already fragile LGBTQI+ civic space continues to shrink under state censorship. We call on the Canadian government and the European Union to act with urgency and principle by sustaining funding for human rights defenders and civil society organizations  worldwide, and consider the following:Expand emergency visas and human rights defenders protection streams for LGBTQI+ Russians who have been forced into exile.Publicly condemn the instrumentalization of so-called “anti-extremism” laws to criminalize identity, suppress civic space and deter the Russian government's systemic assault on the rights of LGBTQI+ people.When access to information is cut, escape routes narrow. Invisibility is being weaponized against LGBTQI+ people in Russia, and silence from states only intensifies harm. Digital censorship is not symbolic; it is an authoritarian tactic that entraps and isolates LGBTQI+ people, increasing their exposure to violence, arbitrary detention, and forced displacement.Take 60 seconds today to support our 60in60 campaign and stand with LGBTQI+ refugees and asylum seekers.