Why more LGBTQ+ people are trying to flee the U.S.

LGBTQI individuals are facing record levels of persecution and displacement, with Rainbow Railroad reporting over 20,000 requests for assistance in 2025—a 51% year-over-year increase. The United States currently generates the highest volume of these requests, driven by executive orders that restrict gender-affirming care, limit federal gender recognition, and mandate school disclosures regarding social transitions. Meanwhile, Canada has entered the top ten countries for requests, reflecting a degradation in social services and the introduction of Bill C-12, which imposes restrictive timelines on asylum claims. Chief Programs Officer Devon Matthews highlights that this surge in demand disproportionately affects youth aged 18 to 35, who are increasingly vulnerable to life-threatening violence and community rejection. As political climates shift, the organization continues to facilitate pathways to safety while struggling to scale resources to meet the overwhelming global need.