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After a long and difficult journey, Cabrel arrived in the United States and experienced a moment he’ll never forget. “When I landed in San Francisco, my sponsor group was waiting for me with a sign that said, ‘Welcome Cabrel,’ and a rainbow flag. I will never forget that day — I was so happy to see them.”

In more than 60 countries, LGBTQI+ people are criminalized because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. As a result, many LGBTQI+ people experience severe forms of violence, persecution, and discrimination in their home country, usually incited by state actors, leaving them with little recourse but to flee. State-sanctioned homophobia and transphobia force LGBTQI+ people to live in constant fear for their lives. They are also subjected to community violence, family violence and rejection, and are denied basic human rights, such as access to education, employment, healthcare, and legal protections. Forced to flee, they seek refuge in countries like Canada, where they can live safely with dignity and contribute to society without fear of persecution.Accessing humanitarian protection and resettlement programsHumanitarian protection and resettlement programs are not always safe and accessible for LGBTQI+ refugees and asylum seekers. Options for many individuals are restricted because of passport immobility, visa restrictions, high costs, danger in transit countries and refugee camps, the intimate nature of ‘proving’ LGBTQI+ persecution, retraumatization, and a limited number of available resettlement spaces. Some LGBTQI+ refugees and asylum seekers also experience homophobia and transphobia on their journey in search of safety. The majority of refugees and asylum seekers are in fact hosted in countries that criminalize or restrict LGBTQI+ identity, intimacy, expression, or association to some degree. While there are several organizations that work to provide refuge for the more than 120 million forcibly displaced people – including over 43 million refugees, only a handful focus on LGBTQI+ people who have been forcibly displaced. Rainbow Railroad is one such organization. We work at the intersection of LGBTQI+ criminalization and forced displacement. Over the past 18 years, we have experienced a significant increase in the number of LGBTQI+ people reaching out to us for help after being abandoned by their state, community, family, and sometimes the humanitarian protection system. One of the ways that we intervene and offer support is by improving their access to humanitarian protection and resettlement programs.Canada’s commitment to LGBTQI+ refugees and asylum seekersCanadian immigration regulations explicitly recognize the need for protections for LGBTQI+ people facing discrimination or danger in their home countries. By providing humanitarian protection and resettlement options for LGBTQI+ refugees and asylum seekers, Canada is upholding its existing legal obligations and frameworks for refugee protection. Rainbow Railroad works with the Government of Canada, community partners, LGBTQI+ refugees and asylum seekers, and the broader 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Canada to improve access to protection and resettlement for at-risk LGBTQI+ people. By doing so, we aim to ensure that LGBTQI+ refugees and asylum seekers find safety, home, and belonging when they relocate here.Rising Anti-Refugee Narratives Unfortunately, this critical work is now under threat. While refugees make up a fraction of the newcomers in Canada, “the heightened debate about immigration has bled into how the public views [them]”. Refugees are unfairly being made scapegoats for issues like Canada’s housing crisis and economic challenges, bearing the brunt of misguided accusations that misplace blame on them. There is also a growing narrative that “many people claiming to be refugees are not real refugees”. The unintended consequence of this is the creation of a dangerous and divisive narrative which adds another layer of complexity and precarity for at-risk LGBTQI+ people who are seeking asylum in Canada because they were being persecuted in their home countries. This, even as Canada remains a beacon of hope for these individuals and has consistently demonstrated its commitment to protecting those who face persecution based on their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, and other protected grounds, including sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.Continued Partnership for LGBTQI+ refugees and asylum seekersRainbow Railroad believes that through continued partnerships and incisive planning, the Government of Canada can maintain, if not marginally increase the number of LGBTQI+ refugees and asylum claims it accepts annually. At-risk LGBTQI+ people who are forced to flee home depend on the compassion of the Government of Canada, and a reduction in the number of individuals the IRCC will accept in the category of Refugees and Protected Persons from a planned high of 93,000 in 2024 to a planned high of 60,000 in 2027 hurts the increasing number of individuals who are forced to flee home. A balanced, partnership-centric approach to supporting LGBTQI+ refugees and asylum seekers can uphold Canada’s core values without straining the economy or overburdening taxpayers in the long term. Over time, refugees contribute to Canada’s GDP and “pay more in income tax on average than they receive in public benefits and services”. Furthermore, data show that refugees have one of the highest rates of tax compliance in Canada.Supporting LGBTQI+ refugees and asylum seekers may require additional initial investments in specialized programs, such as mental health support, trauma counseling, and legal aid to navigate asylum claims; these costs are short-term investments in ensuring that LGBTQI+ refugees and asylum seekers are successfully integrated into Canadian society. By providing the necessary support at the outset, Canada can reduce the long-term burden on social services and promote greater self-sufficiency among this population.Holding the line on the commitment to LGBTQI+ refugees and asylum seekersRainbow Railroad calls on the Government of Canada to take the following actions.Invest in technology and procedural reforms to streamline and swiftly process refugee claims; this will reduce wait times, improve cost-effectiveness, and ensure that LGBTQI+ refugees and asylum seekers are given timely protection. Following the COVID-19 disruption to the in-person Refugee Status Determination hearings, the Immigration Refugee Board revolutionized its case intake and utilized videoconferencing to hold hearings, which improved efficiency and reduced backlog. Expand regional access to resettlement pathways for at-risk LGBTQI+ people. Right now, access to resettlement pathways to Canada is limited to individuals in certain countries or regions. Enhance its collaborative effort with Rainbow Railroad, and local and international partners to secure positive relocation outcomes for LGBTQI+ refugees and asylum seekers using the whole-of-society approach.Maintain the planned 2024 immigration level for Refugees and Protected Persons over the next three years to ensure that LGBTQI+ refugees and asylum seekers are not abandoned because of their vulnerability.Bolster the private sponsorship of refugees program through sponsorship agreement holders and partnerships with LGBTQI+ advocacy and community organizations; this leverages community resources, reduces government spending, and creates a strong network of support for LGBTQI+ refugees.Disrupt the current dangerous and divisive policy and populist narrative that refugees and asylum seekers are causing the housing crisis in Canada. Refugees and asylum seekers make up a small fraction of Canada’s overall population, and their presence does not meaningfully contribute to this crisis. It is possible to protect and support at-risk LGBTQI+ refugees and asylum seekers through a cost-effective, targeted approach that ensures successful integration into Canadian society. A nation that prides itself on justice and compassion must not allow vulnerable populations to become victims of a misleading, dangerous and divisive narrative in the face of complex socio-economic challenges. We must work together to uphold the values of inclusivity and human dignity that have long defined Canada’s approach to humanitarian protection and refugee resettlement.

Latin America and the Caribbean are regions facing record numbers of forced displacement, including of LGBTQI+ people at risk. Rainbow Railroad data can shed light on their experiences.

When LGBTQI+ individuals face a lack of basic necessities, increased instances of sexual violence, or lack of access to mental health and healthcare, HIV-positivity rates increase.

As part of Rainbow Railroad’s efforts to better respond to LGBTQI+ refugees’ resettlement needs, this year we launched a Queer Refugee Internship Program for refugees who have benefitted from our work and have an interest in contributing their lived expertise to the global forced displacement response. Our program provides a unique opportunity for refugees to get vital work experience, learn new skills, and connect with professionals while elevating the voices of queer refugees. We’re highlighting the incredible stories of three interns who joined us for our inaugural Queer Refugee Internship Program. In this post, Samuel Wairiuko shares his experiences as part of the Engagement Team. To support the ongoing work of Rainbow Railroad, click here. As a human rights advocate and immigrant rights activist, I never thought I'd have the opportunity to intern with an organization like Rainbow Railroad. But life has a way of surprising us, and I'm grateful for the experience.My journey to the USA was not easy. I faced numerous challenges, but Rainbow Railroad was there to support me every step of the way. They provided financial assistance, emotional support, and encouragement when I needed it most.When I learned about the internship program, I was ecstatic. I knew this was my chance to make a difference and give back to the community while pursuing my economics degree in college. The part-time, 12-week internship was a perfect fit for me. I was tasked with recruiting individuals supported by Rainbow Railroad based in the USA, Canada, Germany, and France who were interested in joining the volunteer program to support newly arrived immigrants. Through this experience, I gained invaluable communication, technical writing, and project management skills. Despite the challenges of working across different time zones, I learned to adapt and overcome obstacles with proper planning and communication.The internship was a transformative experience that shaped me in many ways. I grew both personally and professionally, and I'm now even more determined to continue advocating for human rights and marginalized communities. My dream is to attend law school after completing my economics degree and become a lawyer who makes a difference.I'm grateful for the opportunity to have worked with Rainbow Railroad and hope to continue contributing to their mission in the future. The experience has opened my eyes to the impact one organization can have on people's lives, and I'm eager to make a difference.The Time is Always Now to support opportunities for LGBTQI+ refugees. To donate to Rainbow Railroad in support of programs like this, click here. 

“I can't breathe if I don’t help and stay connected to my community. We are one body and different members and communities represent different body parts. I expect if there is pain in one part, the whole body would feel that pain.” - Jannat Ali, trans rights activist, Executive Director of Track-T Jannat Ali, a dedicated advocate for trans rights in Pakistan, serves as the driving force behind Track-T, a community-led organization headquartered in Lahore. Track-T focuses on artivism (art + activism), trans rights awareness, and advocacy related to sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC). Since its establishment in 2017, Track-T has been at the forefront of challenging stereotypes and combating the stigma and discrimination faced by the transgender community in Pakistan.Track-T's notable achievements include founding two chapters of Trans Pride in Pakistan, becoming a member of InterPride, and actively participating in the Steering Committee that presented the Trans Rights Bill, which was enacted into law in 2018. The organization is also associated with various local and international platforms, such as the Women Peace Council Punjab, Election Commission Pakistan, and the Dignity Network Canada Advisory Board.Providing Wraparound Support for the Trans Community in PakistanThe services provided by Track-T are comprehensive and multifaceted. They empower low-income transgender individuals through financial, and institutional support. They also collaborate with other organizations to improve the well-being of transgender persons, and advocate for social justice. Additionally, Track-T works to build the capacity of transgender individuals to meet current and future challenges, with the vision of strengthening and sustaining the trans activism and Pride Movement in Pakistan.Track-T and Rainbow Railroad have shared panels at various human rights conferences. In 2022, both organizations decided to maintain regular contact and share updates.. Track-T's partnership with Rainbow Railroad, spanning from January 2024 to May 2024, has helped to sustain Track-T’s work during challenging times. Through this collaboration, Track-T provided drop-in services focusing on safety and security, distributed basic needs like food packages, offered mental health services, and conducted press conferences and protests. A Challenging Landscape for Activism The advocacy work carried out by Jannat Ali and Track-T is fraught with many challenges. This is due to limited resources and increasing transphobia and gender-based violence in Pakistan. The Federal Shariat Court's 2022 ruling against the Transgender Persons Act, 2018, impacted organizations like Track-T. This legislative change has left transgender individuals vulnerable to increased violence, abuse, and discrimination. Since 2015, 75 transgender people have been murdered, and 1,500 have been sexually assaulted in Pakistan. In 2018 alone, there were over 500 incidents of violence against transgender individuals in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab.The hostile environment has created significant barriers to employment, and contributed to an  escalation in the cost of living for trans people in Pakistan.. For Jannat Ali personally, as the first transgender lecturer at the University of Management and Technology, she faced significant backlash. Despite positive feedback for her teaching, the anti-trans movement endangered her life and led to the non-renewal of her job contract.. The adversity extended beyond professional setbacks. Jannat’s social media platforms, critical for her advocacy work, were targeted. Her YouTube channel "Journey with Jannat" was hacked, and her Instagram account faced multiple hacking attempts, aimed at silencing her voice and pressuring her to cease her activism. After persistent efforts, Jannat regained control of her YouTube account.Threatening calls demanded the closure of Track-T's office, further endangering their work and safety. Eventually, threats to her life forced her to flee Pakistan and relocate to Canada with the support of Rainbow Railroad. Despite these challenges, Jannat remains steadfast in her commitment to her community. She is working tirelessly to create safe spaces and provide support to those in need.Looking Ahead in the Ongoing Fight for Trans Equality in PakistanLooking ahead, Jannat's hopes and dreams for Track-T and the communities they serve are focused on protecting the lives of LGBTQI+ individuals facing persecution in Pakistan. She emphasizes the importance of never losing hope, “and continuing to fight for our rights and dignity.”In her message to the Pakistani government, Jannat calls for action against homophobia and transphobia. She states, "The trans community has been exploited for superficial gestures like photo ops. It's imperative for the government to issue a strong statement and take decisive measures against homophobia and transphobia." To those who support Rainbow Railroad, Jannat expresses deep gratitude. She highlights how their support has been crucial in protecting lives and enabling ongoing advocacy and community support.For Jannat, the queer community is akin to oxygen—essential and life-sustaining. She says, “I can't breathe if I don’t help and stay connected to my community”. Queering the system  involves recognizing the interconnectedness of the community and feeling the collective pain and struggle.“We are one body and different members and communities represent different body parts. I expect if there is pain in one part, the whole body would feel that pain.”Rainbow Railroad provides direct capacity building and livelihood support to human rights defenders, organizations and collectives in countries where people are displaced. This Trans Awareness Week, we’re asking our community to step up in support of trans people around the world. Help us provide support to more trans refugees and asylum seekers here.

We call on our allies and supporters to join us in this urgent work.

While we wish we could help everyone who reaches out to us, our capacity is limited by our resources and the legal complexities and constraints of international refugee law and travel.

As the confirmation of Trump’s re-election settles, we face a pivotal moment in our mission to support and protect at-risk LGBTQI+ refugees, asylees, and asylum seekers. This crucial time reinforces the urgent need to mobilize and stand united for equality and justice. What we are certain of is that this moment clarifies our path forward: we must rally together with unwavering resolve to meet the anticipated challenges for our community if this new administration implements many of the anti-immigration and anti-LGBTQI+ policies it has proposed. Our community has proven its strength and resilience. Despite the changing landscape and rising threats to the rights of LGBTQI+ refugees, asylees, and asylum seekers, we have made significant strides in defending and advancing our mission. Together, we’ve fought back against discriminatory laws and policies, securing vital victories, and raised awareness about the realities faced by forcibly displaced LGBTQI+ people. As a community, we’ve supported those seeking safety, dignity and freedom — helping countless LGBTQI+ people find safety in safe cities in the U.S. The power of queer organizing and community action has always been our greatest strength, and together, we’ve shown what is possible when we stand united.We are working behind the scenes to ensure we do more to support LGBTQI+ refugees, asylum seekers and asylees in the U.S., and will share more with our community as we have updates. If you have questions about what the election results could mean for your immigration status, please reach out to us at community@rainbowrailroad.org. With so much at risk, now more than ever, we need your support. Together, we can power change. Help us fuel the fight by donating to ensure that the hundreds of LGBTQI+ refugees, asylum seekers, and asylees who are depending on us will not be left behind.To our entire community: we acknowledge your fears, your grief, your anger, and all of the other emotions you may be feeling. We cannot do this without you. We are now in crisis mode and we urgently need your support to continue our vital work. We will move forward. Nothing will stop us. As James Baldwin said: “There is never a time in the future in which we will work out our salvation. The challenge is in the moment; the time is always now.”Let’s get to work.

Rainbow Railroad's Donor Impact Report, Fall 2024

For every $100 you raise by 11:59pm on November 15th, 2024, you’ll earn an entry to win a pair of tickets to Taylor Swift’s SOLD-OUT Eras Tour stop in Toronto on November 22nd!

We are deeply concerned by Canada’s recent reduction in refugee resettlement slots in the 2025-27 Immigration Levels Plan.