In addressing global LGBTQI+ persecution and forced displacement, Rainbow Railroad relies on a large network of partners who support our mission, rather than on branded field offices which would pose a risk to our staff and the people we serve, given that same-sex intimacy is criminalized in nearly 70 countries. Instead, we work directly with local human rights defenders, activist networks, and organizations who help us to identify, verify, and triage requests for help from LGBTQI+ persons facing persecution and provide on-the-ground insights, verification, identification information, and logistical support. Our trusted relationships with underground collectives, unregistered groups, and LGBTQI+ rights defenders give Rainbow Railroad unique access to global networks of vulnerable individuals facing persecution based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC). This model has led to the successful relocation of thousands of individuals and has strengthened the global LGTBQI+ movement more broadly.
Since 2019, Rainbow Railroad has partnered with over 50 organizations engaged in work with the LGBTQI+ community. While these partners are headquartered in 24 countries, many of the organizations work regionally and their reach extends into neighboring countries.
The countries represented in Rainbow Railroad’s partnerships include Argentina, Costa Rica, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Guyana, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Liberia, Lithuania, Malawi, Mexico, Namibia, Nigeria, Pakistan, South Africa, South Sudan, Tunisia, Russia, Rwanda, Turkey, Uganda, and Ukraine.
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