Caring for Our Own: Lukas’ Support Sets an Example in a Time of Challenge

The Initial Motivations to Give

Lukas, a retired physician, has supported Rainbow Railroad financially since 2017, when he learned of emergency relocations of gay Chechen men targeted by government-sanctioned detentions and killings. “I was disgusted,” shares Lukas. “I thought, ‘Wow – the last German concentration camps were liberated in 1945; here we were in 2017, and there were gays being put in new concentration camps.’”

“At the same time, I thought the organization’s core travel support program was very clever, very effective,” Lukas says. “I wondered why I hadn’t heard about this amazing work any earlier, and I wanted to take part.”

Lukas’ support was cinched when the opportunity sprang up via social media to have his donation to our effort matched dollar for dollar by another dedicated supporter.

Continuing Resonance

The public response to Rainbow Railroad’s Chechen intervention resulted in the largest relocation that the organization had supported to date. By 2019, Rainbow Railroad had successfully assisted more than 70 targeted Chechen men in reaching safety.

It is this tangible human impact that continues to move Lukas. He emphasizes that while the notion of impact can feel abstract, through supporting of Rainbow Railroad, “one human being can make a direct difference in another human being’s life.”

“Also, I’m gay myself,” Lukas reflects, “and I believe that while everyone should be helping the cause of LGBTQI+ safety, we should lead by example in caring for our own community.”

A Timely Message to Fellow Supporters

Despite the current geopolitical climate, Lukas is resolved to keep a hopeful view of the future – and he encourages others to do the same.

Lukas notes, “While (anti-LGBTQI+) government officials in the U.S. right now may be throwing up roadblocks, it’s important to point out that nearly half the electorate didn’t vote for them. This suggests a significant number of Americans who potentially would, could, and should support Rainbow Railroad’s work.” He emphasizes the crucial need for peer-to-peer donor outreach in the U.S. now to counter the perception of opposition to the LGBTQI+ community. He also explains that there are many ways to participate beyond donating, including advocating for elected officials to use their influence to protect the rights of LGBTQI+ individuals in the U.S. and abroad. “There is a role for everyone in this mission,” Lukas asserts, “Protection of LGBTQI+ rights and safety is a human issue.”

“Whatever the contribution,” he continues, “when you give to Rainbow Railroad, you’re helping at-risk LGBTQI+ individuals to find a new lease on life. When I hear the personal stories of horrible situations from which people are uplifted and able to find safety and flourish, I am greatly inspired.”

To learn out more about the variety of ways to contribute to Rainbow Railroad contact donations@rainbowrailroad.org.