“Canada Gave Me a Second Chance”: Rahma's Opportunity to Rebuild

When Rahma thinks about their past, it’s with both pain and pride. Born and raised in Morocco, and later living as a refugee in Turkiye, they faced years of violence, imprisonment, and discrimination simply for being who they are: a non-binary lesbian. Today, they live in Toronto, Canada — a place they now proudly call home.

“Canada gave me a second chance,” Rahma says. “Now, I’m rebuilding my life with strength, gratitude, and determination.”

Rahma reached out to Rainbow Railroad when they had nowhere left to turn. Facing daily danger, discrimination, and even time in a deportation center, they lived in constant fear. “Rainbow Railroad helped me reclaim my life,” Rahma says. “They brought light after years of darkness. Their support gave me the freedom and dignity to live authentically, free from fear.”

Solidarity Is Survival

Resettling in a new country was not without its challenges. Rahma had to start from scratch — learning a new language, finding work, healing from trauma, and navigating life in a place where everything felt different.

But it was also where they found something they never had before: solidarity.

“My resettlement journey has been tough, but it’s also been about resilience and hope,” Rahma explains. “The support from Rainbow Railroad and the solidarity I found in my community gave me the strength to keep moving forward.”

They say that support isn’t just logistical — it’s emotional. “Newcomers need housing, legal help, and jobs — but even more, we need kindness and understanding. We need safe, inclusive spaces where we can begin to heal.”

For LGBTQI+ newcomers, acceptance can mean the difference between despair and a sense of belonging. “Solidarity can be as simple as a listening ear or helping someone connect with resources. Those small acts can make all the difference.”

Dare to Resist: Living with Pride and Purpose

This year, Rahma is celebrating something they never thought they’d experience: their very first Pride.

“Pride means embracing my true self and celebrating strength, freedom, and acceptance,” they say. “I’m incredibly happy to be attending Pride for the first time. It’s about standing in solidarity and using my voice to advocate for others.”

The 2025 Pride theme, Solidarity in Pride: Dare to Resist, holds deep meaning for Rahma. “‘Dare to Resist’ means standing up against oppression and fighting for our rights, even when it’s hard,” they explain. “It’s about being brave enough to live authentically and pushing for a world where everyone can be themselves without fear. Resistance is about solidarity, visibility, and fighting for dignity.”

A Voice of Hope

Despite the trauma they’ve endured, Rahma radiates hope. Their face lights up when they talk about soccer, connecting with kind people, and dancing to “Born This Way” by Lady Gaga — a song that reminds them to be proud of who they are.

“Joy is a form of resistance,” they say. “Being myself without fear brings me joy. These moments remind me that I’m alive, I’m strong, and I deserve to live in freedom and love.”

To others experiencing persecution, Rahma offers this message: “Even in the darkest moments, remember your value. You are strong, and your identity is a beautiful part of who you are. Don’t give up. Change is possible, and there are people ready to fight alongside you. You deserve to live without fear — and you will get there.”

For Rahma, Rainbow Railroad didn’t just provide a path to safety — the organization helped them reclaim their life.

“Their support means everything to me,” Rahma says. “They restored my hope, dignity, and belief in a better future.”

And for LGBTQI+ people still facing persecution around the world, Rahma believes Rainbow Railroad represents something even bigger: the promise of solidarity without borders.

“No matter where you are, there are people who understand and will stand with you,” Rahma says. “You are not alone.”

Help Rainbow Railroad support more people like Rahma. Donate today.