There are no LGBTQ+ organizations in Afghanistan. Rainbow Railroad, a Canadian and US based organization that assists LGBTQ+ refugees around the world, is leading the emergency response. We are relying on our deep international network and contacts within the country to reach people facing persecution.

We are asking our community and corporate allies to support Rainbow Railroad’s vital work to:- Triage requests for help and offer advice to those at risk in Afghanistan. They have already received hundreds of requests for help and expect to receive more.- Further develop their networks in the country and identify ways for LGBTQ+ Afghans to escape.- Advocate for Western governments to step up and support LGBTQ+ Afghan refugees, including them in resettlement schemes.

The focus now is on supporting the emergency response. As the situation develops, we will identify additional ways for our community to support LGBTQ+ Afghans and other refugees.