Rainbow Refugee
We are proud to support Rainbow Refugee, an organization that promotes safe, equitable migration and communities of belonging for people fleeing persecution based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or HIV status.
Norma (pictured) shares her experience of working at Rainbow Refugee in an interview with our team member, Andrea.
Norma (pictured) shares her experience of working at Rainbow Refugee in an interview with our team member, Andrea.
Andrea: How does it feel when you are able to play a part in supporting an individual facing persecution?
Norma: It is extremely rewarding to know that the work you are doing is supporting another person to find a safer place to call home. We sometimes take things for granted here, and it is very important to take a step back, look at the privileges we have here, and try to find ways to share those privileges with those who need it.
A: What are some ways that communities and individuals can support and create a sense of belonging for LGBTQI+ and HIV+ people who have left behind persecution in their country of origin?
N: There are so many ways to support the work that we do and support newcomers to feel a sense of belonging. People can start their own circles of hope and sponsor refugees to move here; they can volunteer with us and be present in our events; they can spread the word about Rainbow Refugee and the work that we do; they can fundraise for us or become monthly donors which will help us continue providing our work and services to our members.
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A: What inspires you to be so committed to the work you do at Rainbow Refugee?
N: I moved to Vancouver in 2018 because of all the persecution that I faced in my home country. The first organization that I reached out to was Rainbow Refugee. They welcomed me with open arms and gave me all the support I needed. And I promised myself that I will do whatever it takes to support this organization and continue the work that they are doing. 4 years later, I am a permanent full-time staff working with refugees to support other refugees.
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A: What do you hope to accomplish at Rainbow Refugee in the coming year?
N: On a personal level, I hope that I will be able to continue the work that I am doing, working with trans and non binary refugees and supporting other refugees. And my hope for Rainbow Refugee is to keep providing our services and keep growing to meet the ever-increasing needs of our members.
By the Numbers:
1,250+ Refugees Supported in BC
Since 2021, Rainbow Refugee supported over 1,200 LGBTQIA+ refugees who have already arrived in British Columbia and are rebuilding their lives.
1,250+ Refugees Supported in BC
Since 2021, Rainbow Refugee supported over 1,200 LGBTQIA+ refugees who have already arrived in British Columbia and are rebuilding their lives.
86+ Countries Represented Among Those Supported
The top 12 countries of origin represented include Afghanistan, Uganda, Syria, Sudan, Iran, Pakistan, Morocco, Iraq, Somalia, Yemen, Kenya, and Rwanda, countries where LGBTQI+ people face criminalization, state violence, or lack of legal protection.
86+ Countries Represented Among Those Supported
The top 12 countries of origin represented include Afghanistan, Uganda, Syria, Sudan, Iran, Pakistan, Morocco, Iraq, Somalia, Yemen, Kenya, and Rwanda, countries where LGBTQI+ people face criminalization, state violence, or lack of legal protection.
29,400+ People Reached
29,400+ People Reached
235+ Privately Sponsored Refugees through the RRAP
Through the Rainbow Refugee Assistance Program (RRAP), a national partnership with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the program enables privately sponsored resettlement for individuals at heightened risk due to their sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or HIV status.
235+ Privately Sponsored Refugees through the RRAP
Through the Rainbow Refugee Assistance Program (RRAP), a national partnership with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the program enables privately sponsored resettlement for individuals at heightened risk due to their sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or HIV status.
30 Active Sponsorship Groups
Community-led groups fundraise and prepare to welcome LGBTQIA+ refugees and their chosen families through private sponsorship.
30 Active Sponsorship Groups
Community-led groups fundraise and prepare to welcome LGBTQIA+ refugees and their chosen families through private sponsorship.
14 Full Time Staff
Committed team works every day to create safer futures for LGBTQIA+ people forced to flee.
14 Full Time Staff
Committed team works every day to create safer futures for LGBTQIA+ people forced to flee.
Rainbow Refugee Team modeling for our Love is Love Collection
From left to right:
Rana, Beau, Norma, Mayar
Rainbow Refugee Team modeling for our Love is Love Collection
From left to right:
Rana, Beau, Norma, Mayar
A percentage of proceeds from the Danica Jubilee Love is Love collection will be donated to Rainbow Refugee.
A percentage of proceeds from the Danica Jubilee Love is Love collection will be donated to Rainbow Refugee.
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Love is Love Felt Christmas Tree Ornaments - 3 Assorted Styles
