Rainbow Railroad facts for kids
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| Founded | 2006 |
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| Type | NGO |
| Legal status | Charitable organization |
| Location |
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Chief Executive Officer
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Kimahli Powell (he/him) |
Rainbow Railroad is a special group that helps people who are in danger because of who they are. They help people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (often called LGBTQ+ people). These individuals might face violence or be treated unfairly in their home countries. Rainbow Railroad helps them find safety in a new country.
This organization started in 2006. Its name comes from the Underground Railroad. That was a secret network that helped African-American slaves escape to freedom long ago. Since 2006, Rainbow Railroad has helped nearly 9,000 people. Over 1,500 of these people received emergency help to move to a safer place.
Rainbow Railroad is a registered charity in Canada since 2013. It also became a charity in the United States in 2015. The group has offices in Toronto, Canada, and New York City, USA.
Contents
How Rainbow Railroad Helps
Rainbow Railroad's main goal is to help LGBTQ+ people who are in danger. Their mission is to save those who cannot be themselves openly in their country. They help these individuals move to a new country where they can live freely and safely.
The organization believes that governments everywhere should protect LGBTQ+ people. They want laws that let everyone live in freedom and safety in their own country. Until that happens, Rainbow Railroad focuses on helping people who need immediate assistance. They help those facing serious threats to their lives and safety.
Helping in Chechnya
In 2017, news came out about serious threats to LGBTQ+ people in Chechnya. This is a region in Russia. Rainbow Railroad quickly started helping people escape this area. They worked with another group called the Russian LGBT Network. They also helped people in nearby Ingushetia and Dagestan.
Helping in Afghanistan
In August 2021, the Taliban took control of Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan. Rainbow Railroad worried about the safety of LGBTQ+ people there. Between August 2021 and June 2022, Rainbow Railroad helped 247 LGBTQ+ Afghans. They helped them move to Canada, the United Kingdom, and Ireland.
Recognition and Awards
Rainbow Railroad has received several awards for its important work.
University of Toronto Award
In 2018, the group received the Bonham Centre Award. This award came from the Mark S. Bonham Centre for Sexual Diversity Studies at the University of Toronto. It recognized their work helping LGBTQ+ refugees.
Time Magazine Feature
In 2019, Time magazine wrote an article about Rainbow Railroad. The article focused on their work helping people escape danger in Chechnya. During that time, Rainbow Railroad helped about 70 Chechen men move to safer places.
Canada's Drag Race
In 2020, Rainbow Railroad's work was shown on an episode of Canada's Drag Race. Five gay men who had moved to Canada with the group's help were featured. They received special makeovers as part of a challenge on the show. The winner of the challenge, Priyanka, won a $10,000 donation for Rainbow Railroad in her name.
GAY TIMES Honour
In 2021, Rainbow Railroad received the GAY TIMES Honour. This award was for International Community Trailblazer. It was given at the fifth annual GAY TIMES Honours celebration in London. Kimahli Powell, the Executive Director of Rainbow Railroad, accepted the award. It was presented by LGBTQ+ and human rights activist Blair Imani.
See also
In Spanish: Rainbow Railroad para niños
