Rainbow Railroad

About

Rainbow Railroad is a global not-for-profit organization that helps at-risk LGBTQI+ people get to safety worldwide. Based in the United States and Canada, we’re an organization that helps LGBTQI+ people facing persecution based on their sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics.

There are more than 60 countries around the world that criminalize same-sex intimacy. In a time when there are more displaced people than ever, 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.

As a result of Rainbow Railroad, more LGBTQI+ individuals can access lives free from persecution, and ultimately, we envision a world where LGBTQI+ people can live lives of their choosing, free from persecution.

Our Impact

Providing emergency travel to LGBTQI+ people facing imminent danger is our core method of work. Since 2006, through Emergency Travel Support,we have assisted more than 2,000 individuals in their journeys to find safety.

In addition to emergency travel, Rainbow Railroad provides safety to LGBTQI+ people around the world in five additional ways:

Cash Assistance

Support from this program includes cash to fund accommodation, medical care, access to essential medicines and self-relocation to another region of the country.

Partnerships

This program allows us to provide direct capacity building and livelihood support to human rights defenders, organizations and collectives in countries where people are displaced.

Crisis Response

We monitor and respond to mass detentions and/or arrests of LGBTQI+ persons, as well as geopolitical crises that impact LGBTQI+ persons.

Information Services & Referrals

Through this program we provide essential non-monetary resources and counsel to LGBTQI+ people facing violence and persecution, including mental health supports.

Government Resettlement Pathways

Through Government Resettlement Pathways, we support the private sponsorship of refugees globally, as well as pursuing other complementary pathways to safety.

Through six different programs, in 2023 Rainbow Railroad supported more than 7,000 LGBTQI+ individuals facing direct persecution for simply being who they are.

How your gift will be used

In recent years, the number of individuals reaching out to Rainbow Railroad has increased exponentially – from just over 2,500 in 2019, to more than 15,000 in 2023.

With a rise in global humanitarian crises, as well as structural inequalities that disproportionately impact LGBTQI+ individuals, we expect requests for our help to continue a sharp growth trend.

Donor support is the lifeblood of Rainbow Railroad, enabling us to stage appropriate interventions while also advocating for systemic and legal changes to preserve the safety and dignity of LGBTQI+ persons worldwide. Your planned gift will benefit our suite of programs with a simple designation in your Will that costs nothing during your lifetime. You can establish your valuable support to at-risk LGBTQI+ individuals in years to come, enabling us to plan to fund our mission now and into the future. Please consider the safety of LGBTQI+ people worldwide as part of your legacy with a planned gift today.