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Across Africa, Eastern Europe, the Middle East and the Caribbean, men, women and young teens are being jailed, beaten and in many cases killed for being who they are.  Each year thousands of people suffer discrimination and live in fear.  Through courage and the of compassion of strangers, they cry out for help. 

At any given time, Rainbow Railroad is working on 30-50 open cases, confirming their details, putting them in touch with local resources and helping them identify safe routes for escape.  As the situation worsens in many parts of the world, these numbers continue to grow.  As a non-profit organization Rainbow Railroad has a network of LGBTQ community leaders and contacts that help us identify and authenticate the requests for help that we receive.  Sadly, the physical and emotional scars are often enough. Once vetted, Rainbow Railroad arranges travel visas, provides interim living assistance and pays for travel to the UK, Europe, the US and Canada.  Once safely in these countries, private groups and organizations assist with living support, education, medical attention and integration therapy.  

All Lives Matter.  Imagine not being in control of your own destiny.  Imagine living with fear and facing constant abuse at the hands of your government, the police… even your family.  Imagine a situation so dire that you would risk everything to get out, knowing that decision would most likely end your life. 

Thanks to the generosity of Corporations, organizations, private trusts and individual donations, Winnipeg’s annual Rainbow Railroad event has put over 1.3 million dollars directly towards saving lives.  At a cost of roughly $10,000 to save a single life, Winnipeggers have proudly relocated more than 130 people to safe countries where they are thriving and becoming productive and happy members of a new community.