TreadRight Foundation and Rainbow Railroad Provide New Pathway to Freedom
The Travel Corporation’s non-profit foundation, TreadRight, announced its newest partnership with Rainbow Railroad, an international non-profit based in Canada and the U.S., dedicated to bringing LGBTQ+ individuals around the world to safety.
In approximately 70 countries, LGBTQ+ people face violence and oppression simply because of who they love and who they are. Rainbow Railroad’s core program provides Emergency Travel Support to help LGBTQ+ individuals who live at significant risk find a pathway to safety in a new country where they can live free of persecution.
In addition, the organization provides short-term financial aid to keep people safe in their current country as well as offering information and resources, coordinating referrals to local support organizations, and helping individuals understand their rights as asylum seekers. Since 2006, the organization has helped approximately 1,500 individuals escape violence and live openly and has enabled livelihood support for thousands more. The partnership with TreadRight will further Rainbow Railroad’s ability to help an increased number of persecuted LGBTQ+ individuals find safety.
The incredible work of Rainbow Railroad is highlighted, for example, by their ongoing response to the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan caused by the Taliban’s return to power, which has put LGBTQ+ individuals at serious risk. Since August, the organization has helped close to 100 LGBTQ+ Afghans relocate to Europe and has helped hundreds more stay safe with livelihood support and evacuation to neighboring countries.
The story of Rainbow Railroad beneficiaries Sami and Mehraj is a beautiful illustration of the organization’s life-changing work. The couple had been living in fear for their safety in Azerbaijan, under the constant threat of arrest and violence. After being evicted from their apartment and the target of multiple violent attacks for their sexuality, and many failed attempts at escaping the country, in 2019 they were finally able to escape to Spain with the help of Rainbow Railroad. Now, finally safe, they’re moving on with their lives, free to indulge in the ordinary pleasures of life while looking forward to getting married and having a family one day.
TreadRight, The Travel Corporation (TTC), and Rainbow Railroad are aligned in a shared commitment to diversity, inclusion, and a more equitable future for all. TTC and its family of award-winning brands including Contiki, Insight Vacations, Trafalgar, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, and Red Carnation Hotels are proud partners of The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA), a worldwide network of LGBTQI+ friendly tour operators who support and promote equality and safety within LGBTQ+ tourism. In 2021, TreadRight sponsored IGLTA’s inaugural Impact Award, designed to recognize a business that’s made a special effort to address the impact on the environment, communities, and diversity and inclusion.
“Increased diversity, equity, and inclusion are vital to the communities we visit, as well to travelers,” said David Meany, The Travel Corporation’s Director of Partner Marketing. “Facilitating safe and inclusive travel for TTC’s guests is paramount and through our employee DEI training, we are taking steps to ensure all travelers feel welcome. The Travel Corporation’s Pride trips including Contiki Pride and African Travel Inc.’s Pride Safaris are designed to celebrate and educate about the diversity of LGBTQ+ communities around the world while providing safe travel experiences created through the lens of LGBTQI+ travelers and travel experts,” said Meany.
This project joins TreadRight’s roster of 60-plus philanthropic projects worldwide focused on supporting organizations that work to safeguard the planet, its people, and wildlife. Those interested in donating to Rainbow Railroad can do so here. Learn more about TreadRight’s projects and its mission to MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® at TreadRight.org.
