Rainbow Railroad's Queer Refugee Resettlement Program Welcomes First Arrival to the U.S.

"We believe dignity is a human right, and that queer and trans individuals around the world deserve to live freely."

(WASHINGTON, D.C., December 13, 2023) - Rainbow Railroad, in association with the State Department's Welcome Corps program, welcomes their first queer refugee to the United States. Launched earlier this year, the program allows American citizens or permanent residents to sponsor refugees seeking resettlement in the U.S. At a time when LGBTQI+ individuals are under attack around the world, Rainbow Railroad works to ensure safe passage for queer people facing discrimination in their home countries.

"We're elated to welcome the first queer refugee to the United States through our Communities of Care program and thank the volunteer sponsors who made it possible. This arrival marks a new frontier in our collaboration with the Welcome Corps program, and we look forward to welcoming more queer and trans refugees to the country over the coming months," said Kimahli Powell, CEO of Rainbow Railroad. "We believe dignity is a human right, and that queer and trans individuals around the world deserve freedom and safety."

Working in a private sponsor group, volunteers provide critical support to queer and trans refugees fleeing persecution and empower them with resources as they build a new life with dignity in a community of care. Sponsors continue to support newcomers after their arrival, helping them find affordable housing, secure educational and work opportunities, and engage with the broader queer community. To date, Rainbow Railroad has provided life-saving support to more than 12,000 LGBTQI+ refugees.

"We have been looking forward to welcoming the first LGBTQI+ newcomer under this program, and hope that this encourages more LGBTQ+ people and friends of the queer community to support these critical resettlement efforts," said Latoya Nugent, Director of Community Engagement. "Our first arrival affirms that every queer person deserves to find home, belonging, freedom, and safety on their own terms. I encourage our community to do their part to ensure our LGBTQI+ siblings across the world have a pathway to resettlement in a country where they can live, work, and play with pride."

Rainbow Railroad welcomes volunteer applications to become private sponsors through the Welcome Corps program. Right now, 64 countries criminalize same-sex intimacy and discrimination is on the rise. In May 2023, Uganda issued new legislation to criminalize homosexuality, which can result in life imprisonment for those convicted.

Rainbow Railroad is a global non-profit organization that helps at-risk LGTBQI+ people get to safety worldwide. Based in the United States and Canada, the organization helps LGBTQI+ people facing persecution based on their sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics. Since their founding, Rainbow Railroad has helped almost 10,000 LGBTQI+ individuals find safety through emergency relocation, crisis response, cash assistance, and other forms of assistance.