We help LGBTQI+ people facing persecution based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics

Rainbow Railroad is an international human rights organization that creates pathways to safety for at-risk LGBTQI+ people and strengthens policies and systems that support their protection and integration. We are one of few organizations that work as direct service providers, advocates, thought leaders, and movement strategists to address global queer forced displacement. Our mission is guided by a commitment to becoming a refugee-led organization that centres the experiences, leadership, and authority of LGBTQI+ refugees.

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 levels of 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.