Giving Back, Stepping Up: David and Jesse’s Journey with Rainbow Railroad

A Mission That Moved Them to Act

David and Jesse first learned about Rainbow Railroad in 2017, during the anti-gay purge in Chechnya and the organization’s emergency response to relocate over 70 gay men in danger to safety. Deeply inspired by Rainbow Railroad’s mission and determined to make a difference, they became not only financial supporters, but as of this year active volunteers as well.

“Supporting one another is at the heart of any LGBTQI+ community,” says Jesse. “When we look at the heinous things being done to LGBTQI+ people around the world and in our own country, I can’t think of a more important organization to support than Rainbow Railroad.”

Forming a Community of Care in Boston

In August 2024, David, an affordable housing asset manager, and Jesse, an artist and designer, formed a Community of Care volunteer group with friends in Boston. Through this program, they were paired with a newcomer who arrived in the United States from South America in January, just one week before the current administration’s refugee ban went into effect and asylum cases were suspended. 

“We’re so glad he was able to get here,” David shared. Since then, they’ve supported him in building a new life and sense of belonging in Boston. They take him out to dinner weekly, encouraged him to enroll in English classes, and introduced him to another newcomer in the Boston area who was relocated by Rainbow Railroad as well. Helping newcomers find social services and form community and stability in their new lives is an essential part of the responsibilities for volunteers. 

“Everyone, at least who we know, wants to do something right now to make a difference,” says Jesse. “This feels like we’re doing something, helping in some small way, even if it is just one person.”

Navigating the responsibilities of a Community of Care during an unpredictable political climate hasn’t always been easy, but for David and Jesse, seeing the impact it is making has made it all worthwhile. 

“Rainbow Railroad is nimble and provides support in a variety of ways,” says Jesse. “Seeing how quickly it has been adapting to the massive shifts of the past few months gives me confidence that Rainbow Railroad not only cares deeply about its mission, but will do everything it can to create safer spaces for LGBTQI+ people around the world.”

A Long-Term Commitment to Change

They are committed to staying involved in Rainbow Railroad’s work long term, not only as volunteers, but also as donors. They know that while their direct involvement makes a difference at home, making donations ensures that vital work continues globally.

“It is enormously gratifying to be part of something that is changing the world for the better,” says David. “Both through our donations and through our volunteer work, we know we are doing something that literally changes people’s lives, giving them freedom to be themselves, live their lives, and stop living in fear.”

For David and Jesse, their involvement is about more than just financial support – it’s about long-term commitment. Becoming part of a Community of Care and sponsoring a newcomer has deepened their connection to Rainbow Railroad’s mission, showing them firsthand the impact they are making on the lives of at-risk LGBTQI+ individuals.

“I am so impressed with how thoughtful Rainbow Railroad is as it steps up to confront new challenges and grow its services,” says David. “From the Chechen crisis to the Taiban takeover of Afghanistan, to anti-gay crackdowns in Africa, Rainbow Railroad has grown and adapted its work to help people across the globe.”