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rainbowrailroad.org · Toronto, ON
Rainbow Railroad is global not-for-profit organization that helps LGBTQI+ people facing persecution based on their sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics. In a time when there are more displaced people than ever before, LGBTQI+ people are uniquely vulnerable due to systemic, state-enabled homophobia and transphobia. These factors either displace them in their own country or prevent them from escaping harm.
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Rainbow Railroad aims to give LGBTQI+ people an opportunity at living a life free of persecution. Since our founding, we’ve helped over 1,600 LGBTQI+ individuals find safety through emergency relocation and other forms of assistance. Our story has received international media attention, including on CBS 60 Minutes.
Rainbow Railroad was founded in 2006 as a volunteer-run organization by a diverse group of LGBTQI+ activists and human rights defenders who wanted to do more to address the violence LGBTQI+ people face worldwide. Our name harkens back to the Underground Railroad – a network of activists in the 19th century who assisted Black folks escape enslavement in the American South.
Rainbow Railroad scaled up its operations after receiving charitable status in Canada and the United States in 2013 and 2015 respectively.
There are currently 80 million displaced people around the world – the highest number since the end of the Second World War. Every year we receive over 3000 requests for help from people whose lives are in danger. While we are unable to relocate everyone who reaches out to us, we offer a variety of programs and work with partners on the ground to support individuals’ unique needs and circumstances.
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