Rainbow Railroad is a global not-for-profit organization that helps at-risk LGBTQI+ people get to safety worldwide. Based in the United States and Canada, we’re an organization that helps LGBTQI+ people facing persecution based on their sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics. In a time when there are more displaced people than ever, LGBTQI+ people are uniquely vulnerable due to systemic, state-enabled homophobia and transphobia. These factors either displace them in their own country or prevent them from escaping harm.

As a result of Rainbow Railroad, more LGBTQI+ individuals can access lives free from persecution, and ultimately, we envision a world where LGBTQI+ people can live lives of their choosing, free from persecution.

Since our founding, we’ve helped over 19,000 LGBTQI+ individuals find safety through emergency relocation, crisis response, cash assistance, and other forms of assistance. Our story has received international media attention, including a feature on CBS 60 Minutes.

Rainbow Railroad was founded in 2006 as a volunteer-run organization by a diverse group of LGBTQI+ activists and human rights defenders who wanted to do more to address the levels of violence LGBTQI+ people face worldwide. Our name harkens back to the Underground Railroad – a network of activists in the 19th century, who assisted Black folks escape enslavement in the American South. Rainbow Railroad helps at-risk LGBTQI+ individuals and families nationally and worldwide relocate to safe places with supportive communities.

Since the 2024 election, Rainbow Railroad has made a pledge to relocate transgender individuals and families from states where they are in danger of persecution to safer states and communities.

As a transgender woman who has found a safe community in the Monterey area and at UUCMP, I want to help others like me relocate, like I did, to places where they can be safe and happy in living their authentic selves.
— Rachael Holder