Cristine (without an H!), thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your contribution to our life-saving work. This Pride Month, we remain entirely focused on assisting
#LGBTQI
people out of danger in countries where it's unsafe to be their authentic selves.🌈💜
To show my support to the LGBTQ+ community, earlier this
#pridemonth
I made a personal donation of $15,000 to
@RainbowRailroad
, which helps persecuted LGBTQ+ ppl facing imminent violence escape to safer countries. Watch to learn more about their work💞
1/ An update on Rainbow Railroad’s work in Afghanistan:
Earlier today, 29
#LGBTQI
+ Afghans arrived in the U.K. as part of a special operation coordinated by the U.K. Gov.,
@RainbowRailroad
and
@stonewalluk
. This photo shows them embarking from an undisclosed location.
Since August 13, 2021, we have been one of the few civil society organizations focused on supporting the
#LGBTQI
+ community in
#Afghanistan
. More than one year after the withdrawal of forces, we're sharing what that work has looked like.
Visit
Hey folks,
@KimahliPowell
here - Executive Director at Rainbow Railroad. I wanted to take over our account to talk about this horrific tweet - and why we should all immediately join in condemning it. A
#thread
:
Rainbow Railroad stands with the LGBTQI+ community in Uganda, and today we need your support. Please share the following calls to action for the Canadian government, private sector, and civil society organizations. These come directly from activists on the ground.
#Thread
An important message from our CEO,
@KimahliPowell
:
As you know, for several years Rainbow Railroad has worked closely with the Canadian Government, consistently advocating for a direct referral partnership to support LGBTQI+ people at risk. A
#thread
A huge congratulations to Priyanka and Elektra for their win on
@canadasdragrace
tonight! And thanks everyone for showing us so much love and support online.♥️ Here's more from
@thequeenpri
and Elton aka Elektra!
#canadasdragrace
Today is
#TransDayofVisibility
, a day of celebration and advocacy for trans and non-binary people around the world. Globally, trans people are facing barriers to living their lives free from persecution and need the support of our community, now more than ever.
#Thread
#TDOV2023
This year, Rainbow Railroad will receive more than 10,000 requests for help. The need for our support is growing exponentially, and our capacity to respond needs to grow, too. Our mission isn’t just relevant during Pride - it matters, 365 days of the year.
Hi folks,
@KimahliPowell
here, CEO at Rainbow Railroad. I’m taking over our account to update on the escalating situation in Uganda. Today, Ugandan Parliament passed, for the second time, one of the most homophobic pieces of legislation in the world. Here’s what you need to know:
Rainbow Railroad celebrates the Cook Islands’ decision to decriminalize homosexuality, becoming the first country to do so this year. Decriminalization is only one step in ending persecution of
#LGBTQI
+ communities, and we welcome further progress.
Rainbow Railroad is concerned that the return to power of the Taliban will lead to instances of extreme violence directed at members of the
#LGBTQIA
community in Afghanistan. We call on governments to step up and support Afhgan refugees. Full statement:
Did you miss our profile on 60 Minutes last night? Watch it right now:
And please consider becoming a monthly donor. This lifesaving work would not be possible without the support of our international community.
#RefugeesWelcome
#LGBTsolidarity
After he was violently attacked and stabbed to near death, leaving him in critical condition, queer Ugandan activist, Steven Kabuye, made the difficult decision to flee Uganda and recently relocated to Canada with the help of Rainbow Railroad.
#AHA23
Rainbow Railroad strongly condemns the violent crackdowns at Istanbul Pride over the weekend. While Pride should be a time of celebration, events like this are a painful reminder that
#LGBTQI
+ rights are under attack all over the world.
We are asking for your help to call on the Government of Canada to partner with Rainbow Railroad to urgently evacuate and resettle
#LGBTQI
+ Afghans.
If you believe that LGBTQI+ people deserve a
#SafeWayOut
, visit to sign our petition today.
We are thrilled that, with 23 votes in favour, the Human Rights Council has renewed the mandate of the UN Independent Expert on sexual orientation and gender identity! The renewal of this mandate is a major victory for LGBTQI+ communities worldwide.
#RenewIESOGI
#HRC50
#SOGI
Exactly one year ago today was the deadline for the withdrawal of coalition forces from
#Afghanistan
. Today, our Executive Director
@KimahliPowell
is sharing a few thoughts on our work in Afghanistan, 12 months in. A
#thread
🧵:
#SafeWayOut
Rainbow Railroad is deeply concerned about the impacts of this legislation as well as ongoing efforts to target the LGBTQI+ community in Russia. We see a high number of requests for help from Russia, and are monitoring the situation closely.
Rainbow Railroad is alarmed by the attack on Ukraine and are concerned about the impact this conflict will have on Ukraine's LGBTQI+ community. We are preparing, in consultation with our partners, possible ways we can help people at risk in the region.
Every 60 minutes, Rainbow Railroad receives two requests for help. This year alone, we’ve received over 12,000 requests for help from 168 countries. We need your support. Today, we’re launching
#60in60
.
In conflict situations like in Ukraine, trans people face significant additional barriers as refugees and often encounter insurmountable barriers to fleeing. Trans people report higher levels of persecution in transit and face severe lack of resources throughout their journeys.
This June, we commit to Solidarity in Pride
Here’s what this means to us:
We're standing in solidarity with the 10,000 LGBTQI+ people who reach out to us – this year and every year.
Folks -
@KimahliPowell
here, CEO of Rainbow Railroad. Today, we have received concerning news - Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has signed into law one of the world’s most extreme pieces of anti-LGBTQI+ legislation. Here is what you need to know:
Ghana's proposed anti-LGBTQI+ law is legitimately terrifying. If passed, it will put thousands of queer and trans Ghanaians at risk of jail time, simply for who they are or who they love. This CANNOT STAND. RT in solidarity.
#queerghanaianlivesmatter
Rainbow Railroad helped Farida Abo Aouf, a transgender, LGBT rights worker, escape persecution in Egypt. Aouf told 60 Minutes that she almost didn’t make it past Cairo’s airport officials
Violence and persecution against the LGBTQI+ community in Uganda, like the recent attack on Ugandan LGBTQI+ rights activist Steven Kabuye, is the result of a culture of impunity fostered by the passing of the Anti-Homosexuality Act last year.
🔊Turn your sound on! 🔊 Watch Amin's story. 🏳️🌈
Today is
#ComingOutDay
. We are highlighting the the stories of brave individuals for whom coming out meant facing extreme violence, torture or jail.
Help us
#HelpOthersOut
. More here:
On
#TransDayofVisibility
, we honour the courage and strength of the trans community while acknowledging that visibility must be accompanied by support, empathy, and action.
We must actively dismantle the systems of oppression that marginalize trans people around the world.
Today is
#TransDayOfRemembrance
Transphobic violence has claimed too many lives. It is important for us to pause today to remember and honor the lives of our transgender friends, siblings, teachers and artists. As we grieve, it is critical that we also take action.
After advocating with allies across the country for its renewal - the Government of Canada has announced it will be extending the Rainbow Refugee Assistance Pilot Program (RRAP) through 2020.
Rainbow Railroad condemns Ghana's decision to pass a bill that criminalizes LGBTQI+ people. Same-sex intimacy has long been illegal in Ghana.
#thread
#LGBTQIA
This week a new legislative assault has been launched against LGBTQI+ rights in Uganda. Although same sex intimacy is already criminalized in Uganda, the Ugandan government has made repeated attempts to further human rights violations against LGBTQI+ people. A
#thread
:
Because of your support, we have helped more than 100 people find a path to safety so far in 2018. It costs $10,000 to give an
#LGBTQI
person facing extreme violence and persecution a chance at freedom. Please consider a donation. You can save an 🏳️🌈 life.
#RefugeesWelcome
Rainbow Railroad is representing the queer agenda at the
#RefugeeForum
, to take space for LGBTQI+ rights, advocate for the unique needs of LGBTQI+ refugees, and call on states to uphold their commitments in the Global Compact.
🔴 Starting now:
Tune in to the opening of the Global
#RefugeeForum
, the largest gathering on refugee issues. Over the next 3 days, world leaders and experts will address the challenges faced by more than 36 million refugees worldwide. Watch live:
‼️ Saleh Magamadov and Ismail Isayev were detained by the police in their apartment.
Russian LGBT Network helped Saleh and Ismail leave Chechnya and move to Nizhny Novgorod. Now they are being taken by car back to Chechnya.
Read on ➡
Tomorrow, five newcomers we assisted to safety will sashay their way to centre stage on Canada's Drag Race!💜
We are beyond excited for them to share their incredible stories with Canada and the world.
#CanadasDragRace
@canadasdragrace
First, we should not quote or engage in the post directly. In doing so we’d directly spread this message of hate - which is ultimately their goal. Don’t do it.
In a new report, Rainbow Railroad proposes an International LGBTQI+ forced displacement network which will engage in research, advocacy and policy development. Read more:
Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) advocate against laws and policies that persecute LGTBQI+ persons, and can be targeted because of their work. The Canadian government has established a dedicated refugee stream for HRDs for resettlement to Canada.
Read more:
We are deeply concerned about the recent rise in anti-LGBTQI+ movements in Zambia, and call on the Government of Zambia to condemn the ongoing violence and threats towards the LGBTQI+ community. 1/2
At the recent Global Refugee Forum, amidst states that criminalize LGBTQI+ people, including Uganda, Rainbow Railroad CEO,
@KimahliPowell
, provided an intervention on the world stage. (Photo credit: USA for UNHCR/Nicholas Feeney)
#thread
We will continue to provide updates and recommendations as the situation evolves. We stand in solidarity with all LGBTQI+ Ugandans and all other LGBTQI+ displaced persons at risk.
Today is
#NationalComingOutDay
. Together, we can create a world where all LGBTQI+ people have the freedom to come out. It starts with Communities of Care.
#Thread
honored and excited to share my 2022 collab with
@MillStreetBrew
and
@RainbowRailroad
and this time, let’s go to the beach, beech!! grab a can of tea time lemon wheat at your local LCBO or get it delivered!! partial proceeds go directly to rainbow railroad!! CHEERS QUEERS 🍺🍋
Hey folks,
@KimahliPowell
, here - CEO at Rainbow Railroad. I’m taking over the account this afternoon to talk about the anti-homosexuality bill in Uganda, how it will impact people at risk, and what our focus should be moving forward. A
#thread
The Anti-Homosexuality Act passed by the Ugandan Parliament yesterday would undermine fundamental human rights of all Ugandans and could reverse gains in the fight against HIV/AIDS. We urge the Ugandan Government to strongly reconsider the implementation of this legislation.
Look at these two beautiful souls! 💜💜
We’re still reeling from this week’s episode of
@canadasdragrace
, which featured five courageous
#LGBTQI
people we assisted to safety. Congratulations
@thequeenpriyanka
and Elektra! Learn more about our work at
On Friday, our CEO
@KimahliPowell
attended a reception in Ottawa where leaders from all political parties were invited to a state dinner to welcome President Biden.
Next week on Canada’s Drag Race!
We are so excited to announce that several newcomers we assisted to safety will participate in the iconic Makeover Challenge on next week's episode of Canada's Drag Race!
Catch us Thursday at 9 EDT on
@CraveCanada
#CanadasDragRace
May 17 is International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (
#IDAHOBIT
). Right now, there are 67 countries around the world that criminalize same-sex intimacy.
#Thread
How incredible is this? Thank you to the
@arkellsmusic
and fans for your support and commitment to supporting our global
#LGBTQI
family! This saves lives.
#PrideMonth
Happy pride month! 🌈 we’ve partnered with our friends at
@RainbowRailroad
for our show on June 22 at
@budweiserstage
in Toronto. $1 from every ticket sold supports this incredible organization. Show is sold out so we’ve raised $16,000. Thank you Arkellians!
We are deeply concerned by the Russian Supreme Court’s decision to label the “international LGBT public movement” as “extremist”. This puts the LGBTQI+ community at severe risk, and we are closely monitoring this situation.
#EyesOnBrunei
: As the world responds with outrage to news that barbaric new laws have come into effect in
#Brunei
. We urge caution with boycotts. There is always a risk that it could lead to a violent backlash and harm the same
#LGBTQ
people we are trying to protect.
#SaveLives
Today is International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia. Read on for something concrete you can do now.
#IDAHOBIT
#Thread
Olivia is a trans woman from Nigeria who reached out to Rainbow Railroad for support and arrived in Toronto last month.
We’re standing in
#SolidarityInPride
with all LGBTQI+ people around the world like Olivia. Watch Olivia's first steps into Canada:
Despite gaining independence from British rule on this day in 1957, more than six decades later, colonial anti-LGBTQI+ laws continue to reverberate in the country and across the continent.
#thread
#KillTheBill
#QueerGhanaianLivesMatter
This is a significant moment for us, and one we could not have accomplished without the support of our partners, and our community. Thank you for your commitment to our mission of helping at-risk LGBTQI+ people get to safety. Read more here:
For months, we have been calling on the Canadian government to assist
#LGBTQI
+ Afghans who are facing extreme violence and persecution.
It's time for the government to work with us directly to find a way for them to come to Canada.
@SeanFraserMP
RT to show your support.
We observe
#TransAwarenessWeek
at Rainbow Railroad to promote greater acceptance, visibility, inclusivity, and social change for the transgender community.
In 2023, the number of requests for help from trans individuals received by Rainbow Railroad doubled.
#Thread
Today is World Refugee Day, and Rainbow Railroad is launching our 2022 Annual Report. 2022 was a significant year for Rainbow Railroad.
#Thread
#WorldRefugeeDay23
Earlier this year, the Ugandan government passed some of the most extreme anti-LGBTQI+ legislation in the world. Tomorrow,
#GivingTuesday
, Rainbow Railroad is raising funds to support our vital work in Uganda. We need your help.
#Thread
A gay asylum seeker from
#Nepal
, who fled after he was outed in a newspaper and threatened by his mother that she would “cut you into pieces” if he came back, is safe for now in the UK because a pilot refused to fly the plane.
#LGBT
#RefugeesWelcome
In May of 2023, the Ugandan President signed the Anti-Homosexuality Act into law, codifying one of the most extreme pieces of anti-LGBTQI+ legislation in the world.
Today,
#GivingTuesday
, Rainbow Railroad is asking for your help.
Watch:
Today is Trans Day of Remembrance. Today we honour the lives lost to anti-trans violence around the world. Transphobia is on the rise globally, and the consequences are deadly.
Today is a day for mourning and remembrance – but also to commit to action to change this narrative.
Rainbow Railroad reaffirms its opposition to the UK-Rwanda asylum deal, which puts LGBTQI+ asylum seekers at risk and undermines the universal right to seek asylum.
Read more:
What’s so angering about this post is that this past week, Canada has hosted human rights defenders from around the world to discuss how Canada needs to further advance
#LGBTQI
+ rights globally. I literally just tweeted about the progress we’ve made:
This week I participated in a series of crucial meetings in Ottawa that advance the work of
@RainbowRailroad
in Canada. We joined
@InfoDignity
at roundtables in Ottawa, and gathered our supporters, government officials, domestic partners, and international partners together.
Today is
#IntersexAwarenessDay
The purpose of Intersex Awareness Day is to educate the public, medical professionals and policymakers about the issues faced by intersex individuals, intersex variations and the need for respectful and supportive healthcare practices.
#Thread
Rainbow Railroad is deeply concerned about the hardline anti-LGBTQI+ bill being introduced in Uganda. We are standing in solidarity with the Ugandan LGBTQI+ community and our partners in fighting to quash this proposed legislation.
Rainbow Railroad is preparing, in consultation with our partners in the region and around the world, how we can provide help to individuals at risk.
READ MORE:
Today, the Ugandan Constitutional Court released a decision upholding the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 (AHA23). Signed into law last May by President Museveni, AHA23 is one of the most extreme pieces of anti-LGBTQI+ legislation in the world.
These reasons are why statements like this from the Russian Embassy in Canada are so dangerous: it will only put more people at risk. We need to join together to condemn these actions swiftly and completely.
According to reports, the Trump-Pence administration’s latest attack on immigrants at the southern border goes into effect today, forcing asylum seekers like Cristal, Lorena and Cesar to remain in Mexico as they await their U.S. court dates.
We welcome the Dominica High Court's decision to overturn the ban on same-sex relations. This is a major victory for LGBTQI+ people in Dominica, and a testament to the work of local activists and grassroots organizations.
#LGBTRights
#HumanRights
#LGBTQIA
After Amin escaped torture and imprisonment in
#Chechnya
, he reached out to
#RainbowRailroad
. We helped him travel to safety.
Now he that hopes that coming out and sharing his story can help others just like him.
Please share, donate and
#HelpOthersOut
.
#ComingOutDay
A survivor of Chechnya's anti-gay purge steps out of the shadows. Amin Dzhabrailov had previously told his story to 60 Minutes—but this time, he wanted to show his face
Rainbow Railroad, a Toronto charity that helps save LGBTQ+ people living in dangerous international situations, was featured last night on Canada's Drag Race. As
@chrisgloverCBC
reports, the episode created some beautiful friendships — and even some surprises.
This is an important moment for global LGBTQI+ rights and the advancement of refugee support in the United States, and we look forward to the opportunity to get more at-risk LGBTQI+ people to safety through this new program.
Read more ⬇️
The State Department has invited
@RainbowRailroad
to participate in a new program that allows American citizens to help refugees resettle in the U.S.
@WashBlade
Rainbow Railroad celebrates this ruling in Japan, which found that a ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional. We welcome further progress in expanding LGBTQI+ rights.
This Black History Month, we're celebrating Black queer excellence & resistance. From trailblazing leaders to activists & change instigators who challenge the status quo, this month is a tribute to the intersectionality of identities & the strength of embracing one's true self.