To better understand and respond to LGBTQI+ refugees’ resettlement needs, this year we launched a Queer Refugee Internship Program (QRI) 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 gain 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, D’John Campbell shares his experiences supporting event planning at Rainbow Railroad.
My name is D’John Campbell, and I am a Black gay man, born and raised in Jamaica, a country that is culturally and legally oppressive toward LGBTQI+ individuals. Throughout my life, I have faced violence and persecution simply because of my identity. The trauma, hatred, and violence I endured pushed me to the brink of despair, to the point where I almost ended my life. I was exhausted from constantly running and fighting just to survive.
At my lowest point, a friend encouraged me to seek help from Rainbow Railroad, a charity that provides support to LGBTQI+ people living in unsafe countries. I submitted a request for help, and it was answered. Rainbow Railroad connected me with a case manager who offered both mental and emotional support, and helped me understand my options. Within four months, with their assistance, I relocated to Canada. They provided financial support for travel expenses including transportation and airfare.
Upon arriving in Canada, Rainbow Railroad connected me with several support networks and community organizations that provided essential care. Adjusting to life in Canada was incredibly difficult—being cut off from both the things that hurt me and the familiar experiences of my culture.
The isolation, change in weather, and new culture were significant challenges, especially as a newcomer and a queer refugee. Navigating the city and being separated from my partner in Jamaica added to the difficulty.
I began volunteering with various not-for-profit organizations in Toronto, hoping to give back and complete the circle of support that had been offered to me. I understand the value of being treated with love and respect, regardless of who you are or who you love—something I first experienced when I reached out to Rainbow Railroad.
Living in a city like Toronto is expensive, and finding a job is vital, but the job market is extremely competitive. As refugees, and especially as queer people of colour, the first question we often face during interviews is, “What is your Canadian work experience?” This is a significant barrier to employment.
Rainbow Railroad regularly updates me on training sessions, workshops, and other engagement activities. Through these updates, I learned about the Queer Refugee Internship program; Rainbow Railroad invited queer refugees to apply for a position that would offer on-the-job training, build personal capacities, and improve employability while also providing insight into how the organization operates. I was thrilled when I heard about the program and quickly submitted my application. A few days later, I was invited for an interview and was selected for the Events Intern position. With my background in event management and project management, I was excited to join the team.
I started the program a month before Rainbow Railroad’s biggest event of the year, the Freedom Party, which kicks off Pride Month. It is the organization’s most significant event, requiring all hands on deck. My duties included providing support to my immediate supervisor in various ways, monitoring administrative tasks, handling follow-ups, conducting site visits, and managing the venue alongside my supervisor.
This experience has provided me with valuable industry knowledge on event management and allowed me to build relationships with people from diverse backgrounds. Seeing diversity embraced and supported here has given me hope for the future. It has always been my dream to complete my bachelor’s degree and become a Certified Public Accountant. In Jamaica, however, where I couldn’t stay in one place too long due to my sexual identity, that dream seemed impossible. Now, I’ve been accepted into college to start in September, and for the first time, I can look forward to the future—something that was made possible through Rainbow Railroad.
I am forever grateful for this second chance at life and my new beginning. I encourage other queer refugees to get involved in the QRI program. It is an opportunity that will help you navigate diverse teams and integrate into the Canadian work environment. I guarantee it will expand your network, lead to positive connections, and foster a sense of community and belonging.