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“‘Dare to Resist’ means refusing to be silent in the face of injustice. It means living boldly and authentically, even when the world tells you not to.”

“I really want to leave a legacy that helps people live freely — the freedom to be themselves, to live as authentic human beings without having to hide or face violence.”

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.

A Mission That Moved Them to ActDavid and Jesse first learned about Rainbow Railroad in 2017, during the anti-gay purge in Chechnya and the organization’s emergency response to relocate over 70 gay men in danger to safety. Deeply inspired by Rainbow Railroad’s mission and determined to make a difference, they became not only financial supporters, but as of this year active volunteers as well.“Supporting one another is at the heart of any LGBTQI+ community,” says Jesse. “When we look at the heinous things being done to LGBTQI+ people around the world and in our own country, I can’t think of a more important organization to support than Rainbow Railroad.”Forming a Community of Care in BostonIn August 2024, David, an affordable housing asset manager, and Jesse, an artist and designer, formed a Community of Care volunteer group with friends in Boston. Through this program, they were paired with a newcomer who arrived in the United States from South America in January, just one week before the current administration’s refugee ban went into effect and asylum cases were suspended. "We're so glad he was able to get here,” David shared. Since then, they’ve supported him in building a new life and sense of belonging in Boston. They take him out to dinner weekly, encouraged him to enroll in English classes, and introduced him to another newcomer in the Boston area who was relocated by Rainbow Railroad as well. Helping newcomers find social services and form community and stability in their new lives is an essential part of the responsibilities for volunteers. “Everyone, at least who we know, wants to do something right now to make a difference,” says Jesse. “This feels like we’re doing something, helping in some small way, even if it is just one person.”Navigating the responsibilities of a Community of Care during an unpredictable political climate hasn’t always been easy, but for David and Jesse, seeing the impact it is making has made it all worthwhile. “Rainbow Railroad is nimble and provides support in a variety of ways,” says Jesse. “Seeing how quickly it has been adapting to the massive shifts of the past few months gives me confidence that Rainbow Railroad not only cares deeply about its mission, but will do everything it can to create safer spaces for LGBTQI+ people around the world.”A Long-Term Commitment to ChangeThey are committed to staying involved in Rainbow Railroad’s work long term, not only as volunteers, but also as donors. They know that while their direct involvement makes a difference at home, making donations ensures that vital work continues globally.“It is enormously gratifying to be part of something that is changing the world for the better,” says David. “Both through our donations and through our volunteer work, we know we are doing something that literally changes people's lives, giving them freedom to be themselves, live their lives, and stop living in fear.”For David and Jesse, their involvement is about more than just financial support - it’s about long-term commitment. Becoming part of a Community of Care and sponsoring a newcomer has deepened their connection to Rainbow Railroad’s mission, showing them firsthand the impact they are making on the lives of at-risk LGBTQI+ individuals.“I am so impressed with how thoughtful Rainbow Railroad is as it steps up to confront new challenges and grow its services,” says David. “From the Chechen crisis to the Taiban takeover of Afghanistan, to anti-gay crackdowns in Africa, Rainbow Railroad has grown and adapted its work to help people across the globe.”

Join us for an electrifying night of queer joy, resistance, and celebration at Rainbow Railroad’s 10th Freedom Party!

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.

Rainbow Railroad's Donor Impact Report, Spring 2025

Our unique data not only informs direct interventions but also strengthens global advocacy.

“I always know that after the darkest night comes the most beautiful sunrise.”

For Leila, being a woman means more than identity — it is about community and resilience. "It has been the feeling of being welcome, with yourself and among your sisters. Womanhood is solidarity, shared experiences, wisdom, and strength."

Canada cannot, in good conscience, continue to turn away refugees at the Canada-U.S. border.

Lukas, a retired physician, has supported Rainbow Railroad financially since 2017. Despite the current geopolitical climate, Lukas is resolved to keep a hopeful view of the future – and he encourages others to do the same.