Rainbow Railroad, a Canadian-based organization supporting LGBTQ+ individuals fleeing persecution, says it has seen a significant rise in global pleas for help since 2020, reflecting a worrying trend of declining LGBTQ rights and growing hostility toward queer communities around the world.
Devon Matthews, the organization’s program head, says the spike in requests comes as more countries embrace xenophobia, anti-refugee sentiment, and intensified queerphobia—even in regions once considered relatively safe. “This isn’t just happening in the U.S.,” Matthews said. “We are seeing terrifying patterns across Europe, Latin America, and many African countries where we operate on the ground.”
Rainbow Railroad recently had to reroute dozens of refugee claimants—many of whom were bound for the United States—after the return of President Donald Trump to the White House sparked renewed fears over LGBTQ safety and rights. Matthews said 28 of 36 individuals in 27 cases have now asked to be redirected to Canada.
Ordinarily, such a switch between countries is not allowed under international refugee protocols, but Canada has made an exception in these urgent cases. The claimants have not entered the U.S. and are therefore not subject to the Safe Third Country Agreement. Most are currently in countries such as Brazil, Colombia, Uganda, and nine other African nations.
While Immigration Minister Lena Diab’s office declined to comment on individual cases, a spokesperson affirmed Canada’s “proud history” of resettling vulnerable groups and noted ongoing collaboration with Rainbow Railroad to identify and support LGBTQ+ refugees.
One such individual is Rahma Esslouani, a non-binary refugee originally from Morocco, where same-sex relationships are illegal. Facing threats of forced marriage and years of physical and emotional abuse from family and society, Esslouani escaped to Turkey—only to face further persecution and legal challenges due to their gender identity. “I realized it is dangerous to exist and to be myself as a queer, non-binary person,” Esslouani said.
After being arrested in Turkey, Esslouani reached out to Rainbow Railroad. “The first email I got said, ‘We are with you. You are not alone,’” they recalled. “I read it again and again. It gave me hope that someone heard my story.”
Esslouani arrived in Canada in July 2024 and describes their new life as “a dream come true.” After a lifetime of hiding, they now live openly and authentically. “So finally, I’m going to be myself… I feel that I am no longer just surviving, but I am alive,” they said.
Rainbow Railroad receives 250 spots annually through Canada’s Government-Assisted Refugee Program, offering a vital lifeline to individuals fleeing gender- and sexuality-based persecution.
The rise in requests highlights the increasing need for protection as global political shifts threaten the safety and dignity of LGBTQ+ individuals worldwide.