Rainbow Railroad facts for kids
| Founded | 2006 |
|---|---|
| Type | NGO |
| Legal status | Charitable organization |
| Location |
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Executive Director
|
Kimahli Powell |
Rainbow Railroad is a special charity that helps people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (often called LGBTQI). In some countries, people can face violence and unfair treatment just for being who they are. Rainbow Railroad helps them escape this danger and move to a safer country.
The organization was started in 2006. Its name was inspired by the famous Underground Railroad. This was a secret network in the 1800s that helped enslaved African-Americans travel to places where they could be free. In the same way, Rainbow Railroad provides a path to safety for LGBTQI people.
Since it began, Rainbow Railroad has helped nearly 15,000 people. It is based in Toronto, Canada, and New York City in the United States.
Contents
Helping People Around the World
Rainbow Railroad's main goal is to help LGBTQI people who are in serious danger. The organization believes everyone should be able to live freely and safely in their own country. But until that is possible everywhere, Rainbow Railroad steps in to offer life-saving help.
Emergency Help in Chechnya
A few years ago, it was reported that gay people in Chechnya, a republic in Russia, were in terrible danger. Rainbow Railroad worked with the Russian LGBT Network to create an emergency plan. They helped many LGBTQI people get out of the region and find safety.
Support for People from Afghanistan
When the Taliban took control of Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, in 2021, many people's lives were at risk. Rainbow Railroad became very concerned for the safety of LGBTQI people there. The organization worked hard to help them. Between 2021 and 2022, they helped 247 LGBTQI Afghans move to safer countries like Canada, the United Kingdom, and Ireland.
Awards and Recognition
Rainbow Railroad has been celebrated for its important work.
- 2018: The organization received the Bonham Centre Award from the University of Toronto. This was for their work helping LGBT refugees who come to Canada.
- 2019: The famous Time magazine wrote a big story about Rainbow Railroad. The article focused on how they helped about 70 men escape the dangerous situation in Chechnya.
- 2020: The TV show Canada's Drag Race featured the organization in one of its episodes. Five gay men who had moved to Canada with help from Rainbow Railroad were given drag makeovers. The winner of the challenge, Priyanka, won $10,000 to donate to Rainbow Railroad.
- 2021: Rainbow Railroad was given the GAY TIMES Honour for International Community Trailblazer. The award was presented in London by human rights activist Blair Imani.
See also
In Spanish: Rainbow Railroad para niños
