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, Staries shares their experiences as part of the Engagement Team.
I am proud to announce my new name: Staries Azura. Born into a conservative family in Indonesia, I faced persecution and violence from a very young age. Years of enduring abuse and hiding my queer identity from the world made life feel like hell. I escaped from a conservative boarding school, only to be sent to another, where I suffered religious-based abuse. Eventually, my own family moved me to a different province. Despite all of this, I managed to finish high school, where I met incredible people who supported me in beginning my activism journey.
My first step into activism was organizing an international pride event, which was a success. From there, my advocacy expanded to cover not only queer issues but also youth, elderly, interfaith, and feminist causes. I co-led feminist and queer movements and took part in grassroots queer advocacy.
After enduring years of abuse, death threats, and trauma, I was lucky enough to be introduced to Rainbow Railroad by a beautiful soul I met at a world conference. She encouraged me to seek help, but I initially resisted, telling her, “No, I would feel like a burden.” She persisted, though, and five months later, I reached a breaking point. I was on the verge of suicide when I finally asked Rainbow Railroad for help. I was assigned a case manager, and together we worked on getting me out of Indonesia. In February 2023, I arrived in New York City, and my life began to change for the better. For the first time, I experienced the freedom to be my true self—a queer person—thanks to Rainbow Railroad.
Since arriving in New York, I have remained in close contact with Rainbow Railroad. I’ve had the opportunity to speak at their events and even participate in a Pride campaign with Lululemon in partnership with Rainbow Railroad. Our shared values in advocacy work have made staying connected with them truly fulfilling. It was through these connections that I learned about the Queer Refugee Internship program, a platform that allows refugees and asylees to learn and work alongside Rainbow Railroad. I am fortunate to be one of the interns accepted into this program.
The internship program has not only enhanced my advocacy skills but has also contributed to my personal growth in both technical and soft skills. The Engagement team I worked with was incredibly supportive, making the experience even more rewarding. Over the 12 weeks of this memorable internship, I gained valuable knowledge that I will carry forward into the next phase of my career. This internship reaffirmed the career path I plan to pursue, and I am excited about what the future holds. I’m ready to chase my dreams.