OVERVIEW

It is our goal that through direct partnership with the U.S. government we may build new pathways to safety for LGBTQI+ persons fleeing persecution and violence worldwide.

Of the more than 100 million forcibly displaced persons worldwide, many face persecution related to sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and/or sex characteristics (SOGIESC) and are currently living in countries that criminalize same-sex intimacy. Persecuted in both their country of origin and transit countries, LGBTQI+ individualsface disproportionate legal, social, and economic discrimination. At the same time, expedited resettlement options to the United States are limited. Systemic barriers such as limitations in access to refugee status determination (RSD) services, violence and harassment in camp settings1, and a lack of trauma-informed approaches to working with LGBTQI+ survivors of gender-based violence2 prevent LGBTQI+ individuals from accessing traditional refugee assistance in transit countries.

Nearly 70 countries criminalize same-sex behavior, and no less than 58 criminalize gender diversity.3 These laws—which are often a legacy of colonization—are powerful tools of repression and extortion. As a consequence, LGBTQI+ people are routinely arrested and denied basic human rights, and are often brutally attacked, tortured or even murdered. The COVID-19 pandemic only exacerbated this situation. Global efforts to contain the novel coronavirus through lockdowns and border closures compounded the impact on those fleeing persecution and seeking refuge, disproportionately affecting LGBTQI+ individuals around the world.4 As commonly occurs during times of crisis, Rainbow Railroad continues to witness an increase in requests for help as a result of state-sponsored crackdowns and community-led violence on LGBTQI+ people.

In the spirit of the Underground Railroad, Rainbow Railroad’s mission is to help persecuted LGBTQI+ individuals as they seek a safe haven from state enabled harassment and violence. At 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 lead to either displacement in their own country or prevent them from escaping harm. As a result of Rainbow Railroad’s action, more LGBTQI+ individuals have been able to access lives free from persecution.