All Stories

“We dream of a world where care is collective, borders are abolished, and our people are safe, housed, and celebrated.”

Bill C-12 has the potential to endanger the lives of LGBTQI+ people fleeing persecution.

Rainbow Railroad's response to the delivery of the 2025 Canadian Federal Budget.

“But even as I lived in fear, I also lived in truth. I couldn’t pretend to be someone I wasn’t. And when I saw others like me — beaten, arrested, thrown out of school, or disowned by their families — I knew I had to do something.”

In just 60 seconds, an LGBTQI+ person can be forced to flee their home.

"Rainbow Railroad didn’t just open a door for me; they walked beside me as I stepped through it."

As the world becomes increasingly hostile for queer and trans individuals, Sarah believes Rainbow Railroad’s mission is more critical than ever.

“I am filled with so much joy when I meet refugees that we have supported at events, or just hearing from them after they land, that they feel like they can breathe again, and that they feel like they will be okay now."

“There is a great sense of responsibility in being the recipient of someone’s story,” explains Derek, a Program Officer for Intake.

Where direct service programming cannot meet the need, we advocate globally for systemic change to address the root causes endangering and displacing LGBTQI+ persons around the world.

In 2024, Rainbow Railroad launched the Queer Forced Displacement Initiative (QFDI), a two-year project to establish an international multi-stakeholder network to improve access to protection and durable solutions for LGBTQI+ FDPs.

In Rainbow Railroad's pre-budget submission, we call on the government to solidify Canada’s legacy as a global LGBTQI+ rights leader.