The Travel Corporation (TTC)’s non-profit foundation, TreadRight, is announcing its newest partnership with Rainbow Railroad, an international non-profit based in Canada and the U.S. dedicated to bringing LGBTQI+ individuals around the world to safety.
In approximately 70 countries, LGBTQI+ people face violence and oppression simply because of who they love and who they are, said TreadRight. Rainbow Railroad’s core program provides Emergency Travel Support to help LGBTQI+ individuals who live in "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, according to a press release. The partnership with TreadRight is intended to further Rainbow Railroad’s ability to help an increased number of persecuted LGBTQI+ individuals find safety.
On example of Rainbow Railroad's work includes their ongoing response to the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan caused by the Taliban’s return to power, which has put LGBTQI+ individuals at increased risk. Since AUG 2021, the organization has helped close to 100 LGBTQI+ Afghans relocate to Europe and has helped "hundreds more" stay safe with livelihood support and evacuation to neighbouring countries.
“Increased diversity, equity and inclusion is vital to the communities we visit, as well to travellers,” says David Meany, TTC’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 travellers feel welcome."
TTC and its family of brands are partners of The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA), a world-wide network of LGBTQI+ friendly tour operators who support and promote equality and safety within LGBTQI+ tourism. In 2021, TreadRight sponsored IGLTA’s inaugural Impact Award, designed to recognize a business who’s made a special effort to address impact on the environment, communities, and diversity and inclusion.
"TreadRight, The Travel Corporation (TTC) and Rainbow Railroad are aligned in a shared commitment to diversity, inclusion and a more equitable future for all," said the TTC in a statement.
For more information, visit the respective web sites of TreadRight and Rainbow Railroad.
