Cabrel Ngounou faced discrimination and violence in Cameroon when his relationship with his boyfriend was discovered. This led to his family kicking him out and Ngounou embarking on a dangerous journey through multiple countries, where he faced further challenges including sexual assault. Eventually, he arrived in the United States and was accepted into the Welcome Corps program, connecting refugees with sponsors to help with resettlement.
Under President Joe Biden, efforts have been made to rebuild and streamline refugee resettlement programs, resulting in the resettlement of 100,000 refugees in fiscal year 2024. In contrast, former President Donald Trump has expressed anti-refugee sentiments and policies, including plans to bar refugees and deport millions of immigrants if he regains the presidency.
Many LGBTQ refugees like Ngounou are forced to flee their countries due to persecution and violence related to their sexual orientation. Organizations like Rainbow Railroad work to help LGBTQ individuals find safety and resettle in countries where they are not at risk of imprisonment or death.
The demand for LGBTQ refugee resettlement far exceeds the current capacity, with thousands of individuals facing persecution seeking asylum in Europe. Rainbow Railroad aims to expand the pathways for LGBTQ refugees to access safety and has a goal of resettling 50 individuals this year through the Welcome Corps program. One such refugee, Julieth Luna Garcia, a transgender woman from El Salvador, has found a new home in Chicago through the program.
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