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LGBTQI Forced Displacement
Publications

Informe: Desplazamiento Forzado Queer en México

La Iniciativa de Desplazamiento Forzado Queer (QFDI) esun proyecto para crear una red internacional que promueva la protección y soluciones para las personas LGBTQI+ en desplazamiento forzado. Para sentar las bases de estared, de 2024 a 2025, Rainbow Railroad está co-facilitando una serie de consultas globales en mesas redondas conorganizaciones de la sociedad civil, personas con experiencia vivida de desplazamiento forzado, y actores estatales y humanitarios. Las consultas tienen como objetivo proporcionar una instantánea del contexto local en países clave de tránsito para migrantes LGBTQI+ en América Latina, Asia, África y Medio Oriente. Los datos y hallazgos colectivos surgidos de cada mesa redonda consultiva se utilizarán para informar directamente el diseño, enfoque y función de esta red multi-actores, que se lanzará a finales de 2025.Este informe resume los temas clave, hallazgos y recomendaciones de la primera mesa redonda de esta serie, celebrada en la Ciudad de México, México, del 5 al 6 de septiembre de 2024, organizada en colaboración con Casa Frida, Refugio LGBTIQ+. Durante dos días, los participantes identificaron varios desafíos clave enfrentados por migrantes y refugiados LGBTQI+. En particular, la discriminación xenofóbica y anti-LGBTQI+ a nivel interpersonal, estructural y sistémico crea barreras significativas para que las personas LGBTQI+ accedan de manera segura a servicios esenciales como atención médica, refugio, vivienda, alimentación y empleo. Los participantes también destacaron la necesidad de mejorar la seguridad de las personas, combatir las violaciones a los derechos humanos y mejorar el acceso a la justicia. Las siguientes recomendaciones surgieron en respuesta a estos desafíos.Puede leer el informe completo a continuación o descargarlo aquí.

2 min read
Two people smiling together at an event holding a Rainbow Railroad sign, with a patterned teal background.
Profiles

Small Steps, Big Impact: Bob & Jim’s Community Support

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

3 min read