Rainbow Railroad: Delivering Lifesaving Escape for LGBTQ People Facing Persecution Worldwide

Across more than 70 countries, being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or intersex (LGBTQI+) can be an existential risk. Homophobic and transphobic laws, state-sponsored violence, and deeply rooted societal prejudice drive countless people to hide their identities or face arrest, torture, and even death. In this perilous landscape, Rainbow Railroad stands out as one of the only organizations dedicated specifically to the direct rescue and relocation of LGBTQ people under threat, providing a crucial lifeline to those with nowhere else to turn .

Founded in Toronto in 2006 by a coalition of lawyers and activists who had witnessed anti-LGBTQ violence in the Caribbean, Rainbow Railroad was inspired by the Underground Railroad, the historic network that helped enslaved African Americans escape to freedom. The organization’s mission is simple but vital: to help LGBTQ individuals escape life-threatening persecution and find safety and freedom elsewhere .

Rainbow Railroad’s work is both reactive and strategic. The organization processes thousands of requests for help annually, triaging cases according to urgency and the imminent threat to life. Their operations have scaled up in response to urgent crises—such as the anti-gay purges in Chechnya and the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, both of which saw LGBTQ individuals targeted for violence, imprisonment, and murder .

In Chechnya, Rainbow Railroad worked side-by-side with the Russian LGBT Network to evacuate those most at risk from state-sponsored abductions and torture. In Afghanistan, after Kabul fell in August 2021, Rainbow Railroad helped resettle 247 LGBTQ Afghans in Canada, the UK, and Ireland within the first ten months, providing both emergency travel and ongoing support .

With offices in Toronto and New York, Rainbow Railroad now has a staff of about 60 professionals, including direct service providers and advocates. The organization’s process starts with a secure intake of requests from individuals facing persecution—often from countries where same-sex relationships or gender variance are criminalized. Each case is carefully assessed for credibility and urgency before the organization mobilizes its resources to connect at-risk individuals with safe contacts, legal assistance, and, where possible, relocation to a safe country .

Rainbow Railroad provides:

- Emergency travel support to individuals in immediate danger.

- Financial assistance for basic needs during the relocation process.

- Counseling and psychosocial support to address the trauma of displacement.

- Advocacy at the governmental level to improve the refugee resettlement process for LGBTQ people.

- Partnerships with local and international organizations to provide holistic, end-to-end support .

Recent partnerships, including a landmark agreement with the Canadian government, have expanded Rainbow Railroad’s capacity to offer comprehensive relocation services—an unprecedented achievement in the humanitarian sector for LGBTQ refugees .

The work of Rainbow Railroad is not abstract; it is measured in lives saved and futures restored. Latoya Nugent, Head of Engagement at Rainbow Railroad, emphasizes that each case represents both a personal crisis and a testament to resilience. “Our primary work supports individuals living in what we call ‘countries of criminalization’ – places where it’s illegal to be LGBTQI+,” Nugent told the Washington Blade. “The persecution faced by our community is often deeply personal and not adequately understood or addressed in global protection systems” .

Rainbow Railroad has helped nearly 15,000 individuals since its founding, including over 1,500 people who received direct emergency relocation assistance. Cases come from across the globe: Uganda, Jamaica, Syria, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, and many other countries where LGBTQ people are denied even the most basic rights .

One example is the organization’s response during the COVID-19 pandemic, when border closures and public health emergencies made relocation nearly impossible. Rainbow Railroad advocated for the continued right to asylum, the resumption of resettlement, and increased resources for LGBTQ refugees—highlighting the unique vulnerabilities these individuals face in times of global crisis .

While Rainbow Railroad’s direct intervention saves lives, the organization also works to address the root causes of displacement. Through strategic advocacy, Rainbow Railroad presses for global governments to enact and enforce laws that protect LGBTQ individuals and ensure their right to live openly and safely in their home countries. Until such protections are universal, the organization’s focus remains on providing immediate, practical solutions for those whose lives are at risk today .

Rainbow Railroad has developed partnerships with corporations and philanthropic organizations, accepting donations in various forms and engaging in public speaking and awareness campaigns to secure ongoing support. The organization continues to expand its reach, responding to a growing number of requests as global crises and anti-LGBTQ legislation escalate .

Rainbow Railroad’s existence is both a reflection of urgent, ongoing need and a beacon of hope for many in the global LGBTQ community. With thousands of requests for help every year and the situation for LGBTQ refugees growing more dire in numerous regions, the organization’s work is more vital than ever. As global awareness increases, so too does the responsibility for individuals, governments, and organizations to support the right to safety, dignity, and freedom for all LGBTQ people—wherever they may be .