Capital Rainbow Refuge’s Post

Our dedication transcends mere moments of recognition and applause. The work we undertake is continuous, often carried out behind the scenes without fanfare, yet it does not go unnoticed. This past weekend, we proudly represented our organization, delivering a thought-provoking presentation on the EWAKA Housing project, a groundbreaking initiative that focuses on providing housing for Black 2SLGBTIQ+ refugees, newcomers, and gender-diverse individuals. Our discourse shed light on our valued supporters, including The Enchanté Network / Le réseau Enchanté Foundation for Black Communities , and Government of Alberta , while also amplifying the voices and experiences of Black transgender individuals and communities. We are fully aware of the effort required for this important work and acknowledge the systemic undercompensation that often accompanies such invaluable community contributions. As a Black, trans, and queer-led organization, we often grapple with imbalanced workloads, dedicating our time and energy with limited resources to uplift our communities. The need for sustainable funding is crucial. While larger, more established entities with recognizable names command substantial financial support, we persevere with volunteerism and modest compensation, all the while effecting meaningful change. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to The Enchanté Network / Le réseau Enchanté for providing us with a platform that amplifies our visibility and enables our crucial work to reach wider audience. #ContinuousCommitment #BehindTheScenesWork #EWAKAHousingProject #CommunitySupport #UndercompensationAwareness #AmplifyingVoices #SustainableFunding #InclusiveChange #Gratitude #visibilitysupport

Want to support the #LGBTQI refugees Micro Rainbow works with but don't know how? The best way is by becoming an ally. Allies give a small amount every month and are crucial in helping us support #refugees and #AsylumSeekers day to day through our three key programmes: 🌈 Housing 🌈Social inclusion 🌈Moving on Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dkhFJpt

In honor of Pride Month, we're spotlighting KOURAJ, a beacon of hope for LGBTQIA+ individuals in Haiti. Amidst the ongoing crisis, KOURAJ stands firm in its commitment to fight for the rights of queer Haitians. While ongoing colonialism and inequality fuel civil unrest and violence, LGBTQIA+ people face heightened persecution and discrimination. Discriminatory laws and social stigma continue to oppress LGBTQIA+ Haitians, denying them access to basic rights and resources. But at KOURAJ, they're reclaiming their narrative and reshaping societal perceptions. Through advocacy, health services, and community mobilization, they're building a more inclusive and accepting Haiti for all. Their vision is clear: a liberated Haiti where LGBTQIA+ individuals can live authentically and thrive. With compassionate mental health care, human rights training, and access to medical support, they're creating space for their community to heal, grow, and lead the charge for change. Learn more about them: https://lnkd.in/eex-dMDn

K's new mission (draft) : To raise awareness, articulate, and visualize "the BRIDGING" practices: "BRIDGING" various communities and support systems to enhance holistic care for everyone. Including: The local queer community and support systems for Canadian queer citizens with new queer refugees, The local new immigrant communities and support systems with queer refugees, The realistically Caucasian-centerd immigrant communities with BIPOC immigrants, Specifically focus on gaps between refugees from Africa and Latin America and darker-skinned Asian refugees. Making them aware, articulate, and visioalize methods and roles of those who bridge these divides to all, thereby increasing the possibility of holistic care for everyone.

In light of the devastating results from the U.S. election, Rainbow Railroad is preparing for a future where risks will escalate for LGBTQI+ refugees and asylum seekers. We must rally together with unwavering resolve to meet the anticipated challenges for our community. We already know how harmful a Trump administration can be to queer and trans people—not just in the U.S., but globally. The dangerous, hateful ignorance spewed by him and his allies emboldens homophobic, transphobic bigots everywhere, and there’s no telling what the next four years will bring. But one thing is for certain: The queer liberation movement was born from courage, persistence, and a refusal to accept injustice—and we will carry that legacy forward, every single day. Our community has proven its strength time after time, challenging harmful policies, supporting LGBTQI+ refugees, and working alongside individuals to find safety. It’s going to be hard, but in this pivotal moment, we need each other more than ever. With your support, we can continue powering change and ensure that thousands of LGBTQI+ people who depend on us won’t be left behind.  Show your solidarity with our movement and donate today: https://lnkd.in/gju_ytrP Let your grief, righteous anger, and fierce determination be a powerful catalyst for change. Together, we will keep working to build a world where LGBTQI+ people everywhere can live safely, authentically, and with pride.

From the early days of Russia’s full-scale invasion, women-led organizations and women’s rights and LGBTQIA+ rights organizations - based in and outside of #Ukraine - have played a central role in the humanitarian response, responding to the needs of women, girls, LGBTQIA+ persons as well as some of the most marginalized communities. Two years into the crisis response, they continue to face a variety of challenges, particularly in relation to funding and access to resources. Our new report provides insights into the challenges they face in accessing funding and resources and offers valuable information for the international community to support them. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dacW3UxX

The past two weeks, I was out of the country on holiday. Watching the racist riots unfold with horror from the comfort of a small chalet in the mountains. Truly white privilege embodied. I liked, re-posted and amplified but couldn't find the right words myself that added to what others were already saying. But we don't have to be saying anything new to add our voice and speak up against hate and violence. We don't have to have a 'hot take' to be loud and clear that we stand in solidarity with people of colour who are experiencing a peak in racism, Islamophobia and xenophobia in this moment, with lasting effects long after it stops making the headlines. It should not be surprising that this has happened- given that politicians and the media have stoked division and hate for so long - but the anti-racist solidarity demonstrations show that there are still far more of us who want to see an equitable, fair, inclusive and open society that welcomes all. Still not sure what you can do - besides checking in with friends, family, colleagues? As a freelancer, I've had the privilege of working with a number of organisations over the past two years whose communities will be feeling the impact of these events deeply. So please consider following, supporting, amplifying, donating to my friends at: 🧡 Play for Progress - trauma-informed therapeutic community working with unaccompanied young people seeking asylum 🌟 Clowns Without Borders UK - creating joy through play for children + families in refugee settings 📢 IntegrateUK - amplifying the voices of young people based on a shared vision of a society based on gender and racial equality, and cross-cultural cohesion 🌿 CIVIC SQUARE - practically demonstrating new possibilities for cohesive neighbourhoods actively shaping their own future, together Finally, take a look at the work of the Migrants' Rights Network - their #WordsMatter campaign shows us how to communicate in ways that are rooted in equity and justice instead of blindly accepting mainstream narratives and terminologies. Their work in re-framing how we look at the world, understanding how we got to where we are, and offering a more just way forward, is foundational. Pic: young men who are all part of the Play for Progress community preparing a meal for their peers at a celebration event

Micro Rainbow's social inclusion programme aim to reduce the extreme isolation faced by #LGBTQI refugees and asylum seekers in the UK. This programme offer a variety of activities designed to build friendships and strengthen community networks. Many LGBTQI people seeking asylum in the UK are extremely isolated, lacking access to religious and community networks because they are LGBTQI. The social inclusion programme provides a space for people in the Micro Rainbow community to find their chosen family. For those who face rejection, misunderstanding, or estrangement due to their identities, chosen family becomes a safe haven where authenticity is welcomed and celebrated. Chosen family members often share similar experiences of resilience, creating a space for LGBTQI individuals to heal, grow, and thrive together. In a world where acceptance can still be uncertain, chosen families provide the stability, love, and affirmation that are essential for well-being and self-acceptance. Read about the impact this can have in this piece: https://lnkd.in/eg5aEqNR

Let’s take a moment to reflect on the impact and awareness that June brings in the workplace, ending stigma, and supporting people from all communities and walks of life. 💫 We commemorate National Cancer Survivors Day, working to end stigma in the workplace and honor the resilience of survivors. 🖤 Juneteenth: A time to reflect on the emancipation of slaves, the struggle for equality and the ongoing fight against racial injustice across North America. 🏳️🌈 Pride Month: Embracing our collective responsibility towards equity for our LGBTQ2+ communities. 🧑🤝🧑 National Indigenous History Month: Recognizing the history, heritage, and culture of Indigenous peoples in Canada. 💙 Men’s Health Month: Raising awareness of health issues affecting men and boys. 🌍 World Refugee Day: Honoring the strength and courage of refugees around the world. 🕊️ Acknowledging Victims of War: Taking a moment to honor the victims of war and the ongoing efforts to protect and defend innocent lives. Let’s stand together in solidarity, and continue to advocate for and uplift communities in need. Take advantage of the opportunities and benefits to learn from other people’s perspectives. Don’t forget to give a shout out to your fellow culture leads, DE&I representatives and people advocates out there, staying true to such important initiatives. #JuneAwareness #EndStigma #SupportCommunities #PrideMonth #Juneteenth #IndigenousHistoryMonth

TODAY: Spotlight on and promoting Europe’s diverse memories with special attention to the LGBTIQ+ community, the Sinti and Roma people, and persons with disabilities. #CERV Programme promotes European Remembrance and raises awareness of a common history, #culture, cultural heritage and #values #Funding #Values https://lnkd.in/ddfPn2T6