Holding Space, Sharing Strength: Meet Kiana

Kiana describes their story as one rooted in family history, migration, and a deepening understanding of displacement.

“I am a third-generation settler born to Filipino-Chinese parents on Turtle Island,” she shares. “I was raised by my grandparents, who have always tried their best to share their history of immigration. When I was younger, it was not always easy to comprehend their life before immigration; however, as I get older, more curious, and continue to work at Rainbow Railroad, I have started to put the pieces of the puzzle together that is their whole experience. I continue to learn and grow from the knowledge that is shared with me, and it helps to inform my own unfolding story.”

That unfolding story eventually led Kiana to Rainbow Railroad, but the path began years earlier at a conference on refugee rights.

A Promise Fulfilled: Finding a Way to Rainbow Railroad

“At my previous job, where I provided settlement support to LGBTQI+ newcomers and refugees, I connected with many organizations across Turtle Island,” Kiana recalls. “There was one conference in particular that I remember vividly. I accompanied a colleague who was speaking at a panel hosted by the Canadian Council for Refugees in Victoria, BC. The panellists were all visiting from cities across Canada, and lo and behold, Rainbow Railroad was in attendance.”

The impression stuck. “I listened with admiration and awe to everything the organization shared on the panel, and I was intrigued by the tenacity with which they spoke about their work. After I had some time to decompress and reflect on the conference, I had an ‘AHA’ moment where a lightbulb went on in my head. From that moment on, I made a promise to myself that I would try my hardest to find a way to work with Rainbow Railroad in one way or another in the future. And now, here I am, about six years after that very event, working with Rainbow Railroad!”

The Power of Connection and Care

As Senior Program Officer, Service Referrals and Post-Relocation Support, Kiana oversees much of Rainbow Railroad’s non-monetary support. “This includes resources, referrals, letters of support, and emotional support,” she explains. “There is no typical day, as I am constantly juggling different parts of the program! At times, you can find me writing strategy, developing relationships to expand our Support Referral Network, in conversation with caseworkers about available resources, delivering presentations, or a medley of other tasks!”

The work is varied, but what stands out most for Kiana is the human connections. “I had the honour of connecting with individuals one-on-one to hear not only about their stories, but to engage in meaningful dialogue. Even when the conversations were grim, I was deeply appreciative that we were able to collaboratively create a space together where they felt safe enough to share their emotions.”

It’s these moments that reinforce the impact of Rainbow Railroad’s mission. “I find comfort in knowing that although we are unable to help everyone, we are able to share essential resources which may be helpful in a particular part of someone’s journey.”

Learning, Growing, and Building Community

Working at Rainbow Railroad has reshaped Kiana’s perspective on activism. “Working here has highlighted the importance of understanding that activism around LGBTQI+ rights and forced displacement does not exist in a vacuum. It’s ever-changing, due to an infinite number of external influences, and to respond to the changes, we need to constantly

challenge our own biases and expand our knowledge.”

The work is not without challenges. “Many individuals are left without resources or essential support because of the lack of funding,” Kiana says. “Seeing the passion people hold for LGBTQI+ newcomer and refugee rights around the world, without a pathway to realize their programs, can be difficult to witness.”

What sustains them, however, is community. “Building community and relationships within our organization amongst staff, as well as with individuals who request support from us, keeps me going on the days when I feel that it’s harder than others.”

Inspiration also comes from those around her. “More recently, I have drawn a lot of inspiration from LGBTQI+ organizations on the ground, doing the work with little to no funding, and often experiencing varying levels of persecution themselves. I think about how privileged a position I am in to be able to work in the field I am in, and how some are willing to put their lives at risk every day to fight for not only their rights, but also their community’s.”

Beyond the Work

Outside of Rainbow Railroad, Kiana grounds themselves through movement. “Any activity that gets me out of my mind and into my body. Whether that be taking long walks with my dog, playing volleyball, or skateboarding, I love to incorporate movement into my everyday life in some way!”

And if there’s one thing Kiana wishes more people understood, it’s that LGBTQI+ refugees are not defined by their trauma. “I want people to know that the individuals we support are not a monolith. Many people are not only coming from different cultures and countries, but they also have rich histories and journeys that make up who they are now. Many of the refugees I have spoken to through my work have shared so much knowledge, talents, and joy with me that I will always hold close to my heart.”

Every conversation Kiana has with someone seeking support is made possible by a wider community of care. You can be part of that community too — consider volunteering your time or skills to help LGBTQI+ people find safety and belonging.