When Refugees Become Advocates

As an organization that’s committed to supporting at-risk LGBTQI+ people around the world, primarily through relocation and resettlement to safer countries, Rainbow Railroad also advocates with governments to do more to protect LGBTQI+ rights. 

And who better to advocate than those who have lived experience of the true impact of refugee and asylum policies? Refugees and asylum seekers have unique insights into policy gaps and solutions which are critical for policymakers to hear and understand. 

That’s what happened in May this year. Six individuals who relocated to the United States with the help of Rainbow Railroad traveled to Washington, DC to advocate for the protection of forcibly displaced people. Advocacy Days brought more than 200 activists together to meet with members of Congress to advocate for legislation and funding in support of refugees, asylees, stateless people, and all others seeking refuge in the United States.

They urged Congressional offices to address priority issues including increasing oversight of inhumane detention conditions at the U.S.-Mexico border, understanding the mental health impact of underfunded asylum processing and inadequate resources for support, and ensuring timely access to work permits and documentation.

In addition to meetings with members of Congress, participants attended special sessions to build relationships with other advocates and organizers, and learn new skills in policy advocacy. The three-day event was organized by the Refugee Council USA and sponsored by Rainbow Railroad.

Here are a few reflections from individuals supported by Rainbow Railroad who participated in Advocacy Days. 

“I shared my story before the US Congress representatives. I did it for every LGBTQ+ person from Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia. You are not alone. Our voices matter despite people and governments telling us otherwise. We matter! And we will see the times where we are respected, not accepted or tolerated, but respected and even more loved.” – Pasha. 

“We emphasized the need for Congressional oversight to ensure the administration is held accountable for implementing permanent protections for refugees and asylum seekers, and understand how these protections are essential to the safety and well-being of refugees who are rebuilding their lives.” – Kendra

“It was eye-opening for me to be a part of such marvelous individuals who share similar interests like myself for a better America for refugees, asylum seekers, asylees, and forcibly displaced people.” – Rickardo 

“Connecting with other refugees and asylees was a powerful experience, as we shared our struggles and found common ground in the fight for change. Despite the challenges and emotional toll of this work, there was a sense of hope and community that arose from Advocacy Days, as we joined forces with others to create meaningful change.” – Samuel

“One of our most important opportunities for queering the system is for our advocacy to center meaningful participation of refugees and asylum seekers. It was powerful to see how staffers from Congressional offices were riveted listening to our colleagues advise them on the real challenges facing asylum seekers at each stage of their journey and responded with determination to do more on these issues.” – Kathryn Hampton, Head of Impact, Rainbow Railroad

Rainbow Railroad continues to advocate for the rights of LGBTQI+ asylum seekers in the United States within the newly announced Welcome Corps program. You can learn more about our efforts, and how you can support, here.