“If you believe in basic human rights and freedom, then Pride is for you.”
This was one of the key messages shared by Caleb Goodman, Chair of the Board at Rainbow Railroad, a global not-for-profit founded in 2006 that helps at-risk LGBTQI+ individuals get to safety around the world.
He was speaking during a fireside chat at a Scotiabank employee-wide event and webcast in Toronto to celebrate Pride Month, reminding us that this occasion isn’t just for people in the LGBTQI+ community.
Pride is a global celebration of resilience, diversity, and progress, but also a time to recognize the realities faced by many around the world who cannot live freely or safely simply because of who they are.
Caleb Goodman, Chair of the Board at Rainbow Railroad
"In some parts of the world, Pride is a joyful celebration with parades and rainbow flags. In others, it's a quiet act of courage and survival,” he said. For Rainbow Railroad, June is also one of the busiest and most visible periods in the fight to help LGBTQI+ people escape systemic persecution, violence, and displacement. With more than 15,000 people reaching out to the organization for help each year — double the number from just a few years ago — the need for support is urgent and growing.
“Forced migration is at an all-time high. It's higher than during World War 2. This is because of geopolitical, environmental and other reasons... and when you add the intersection of gender diversity and sexual orientation in there, it gets dire,” said Goodman. “Same-sex relationships are illegal in over 60 countries in the world.”
In the 15,000 inbound requests for help that Rainbow Railroad expects to receive this year, Goodman says there is a frightening common thread: violence.
“Many of the stories have common themes of sexual abuse, violent attacks, blackmail, poverty, medical crises,” said Goodman.
These communities are facing various challenges and looking for ways to escape to a safer place, and the team at Rainbow Railroad provides that information, along with emergency travel support when necessary.
“Our team is the global leader in navigating the legal frameworks and all of the global constructs to get people to safer places. It's really complicated,” said Goodman.
Rainbow Railroad’s work ranges from helping individuals flee Afghanistan under Taliban rule to responding to cases in countries where LGBTQI+ identities are criminalized and even punishable by death. In recent years, they've intervened in extreme cases, such as individuals being lured to fake shelters or facing entrapment campaigns in Eastern Europe.
Goodman says community support from Scotiabank’s ScotiaRISE initiative — the Bank’s $500-million community investment initiative to help strengthen economic resilience for individuals, families and communities — contributes to the success of these often-complicated endeavours.
Marching band performs to kick off the Pride event in Toronto.
Marching band performs to kick off the Pride event in Toronto.
Caleb Goodman in conversation at the Pride event in Toronto.
Caleb Goodman in conversation at the Pride event in Toronto.
'Look on the Pride Side' campaign graphic at the Pride event in Toronto.
Popsicles being given out after Pride event in Toronto.
Scotiabank has committed to a $495,000 three-year commitment to help Rainbow Railroad scale its programs. This support is directed towards settlement support and strengthening the ecosystem of partner organizations around the world that defend the human rights of LGBTQI+ people.
“Rainbow Railroad's work of helping LGBTQIA+ refugees to find safety is incredibly important and impactful and can mean the difference between life or death. Scotiabank is proud to partner with the organization and support its mission to save lives and foster inclusivity around the globe," said Meigan Terry, SVP and Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer.
Thanks to this support, which Goodman describes as “transformative,” he says they’re able to help 500 people per year in the Caribbean and Latin America and about 100 of those individuals are safely evacuated and supported from start to finish.
Beyond the work of organizations like Rainbow Railroad, Goodman also suggested ways for individuals to get involved, such as fundraising, sharing messages of support on personal social media feeds, and volunteering.
“Can you offer a room to a newcomer? Help them open their first bank account? Act as a support buddy during an immigration hearing or translate documents?”
These seemingly small actions can be life-changing, he said.
Goodman also stressed the importance of an authentic and meaningful approach to support.
“Allyship isn't about saviourship. It's about standing side-by-side and using our relative advantages like passports, financial stability, and freedom of expression, to dismantle systems of oppression,” he said.
As Pride Month events light up Toronto with colour and celebration, Goodman reminded attendees that behind every flag and float are people who are still fighting for basic rights.
“Wearing a Pride pin might seem like a small act, but to someone who's just escaped violence it's a sign that they're safe and that they belong… and this, means a lot,” he said.
