History

Since 2006, Rainbow Railroad has helped over 8,000 LGBTQI+ people from around the world through our various programs.

The History of Rainbow Railroad

Rainbow Railroad started small, with committed LGBTQI+ activists who volunteered to support individuals one case at a time. They found early success with relocating individuals and, as they began to share this work, they received more and more requests for help.

“When I think back to those early days, in the first years of the organization, I’m amazed at how much work it was and how much work alumni put into it. Not only was it an enormous time commitment that was not always easy but they contributed their expertise, experience and made financial commitments to the organization” – Michael Battista, Founding Board Chair, Rainbow Railroad

Our success wouldn’t be possible without the important contributions of volunteers who have donated their time to our mission, helping us grow into the organization we are today.

Canadian Board

Caleb Goodman – Chair
Anne Marie Vanier – Secretary
Ian Gregoire – Treasurer
Krista Hill
John McNain
Al Ramsay
Ann Rosenfield
Andrew Swart

USA Board

Michael Murphy – Chair
David Dubrovsky – Secretary
Bruce Koff
Ian Gregoire
Karen Haycox

Canadian Board

Caleb Goodman – Chair
Anne Marie Vanier – Secretary
Larry Hughsam – Treasurer
Krista Hill
John McNain
Al Ramsay
Ann Rosenfield
Andrew Swart
Karlene Williams – Clarke
Anne Marie Vanier

USA Board

Michael Murphy – Chair
David Dubrosky – Secretary
Bruce Koff
Ian Gregoire
Karen Haycox
Titi Tukes
Anthony DeFilippis

Canadian Board

Caleb Goodman – Chair
Ann Rosenfield – Secretary
Larry Hughsam – Treasurer
Krista Hill
John McNain
Al Ramsay
Andrew Swart
Karlene Wiliams – Clarke
Anne Marie Vanier

USA Board

Michael Murphy – Chair
David Dubrovsky – Secretary
Bruce Koff
Ian Gregoire
Karen Haycox
Titi Tukes
Anthony DeFelipis

Canadian Board

Michael Battista – Chair
Ann Rosenfield – Secretary
Larry Hughsam – Treasurer
Caleb Goodman – Vice-Chair
Krista Hill
John McNain
Al Ramsay
Danny Ramadan
Joan Anderson
Andrew Swart
Anne Marie Vanier
Karlene Williams – Clarke

USA Board

Michael Murphy – Chair
David Dubrovsky – Secretary
Ian Gregoire
Bruce Koff
Anthony DeFillipis

Michael Battista – Chair
Ann Rosenfield – Secretary
Larry Hughsam – Treasurer
Caleb Goodman – Vice-Chair
Joan Anderson
Kate Lazier
Michael Murphy
Laurie Arron
Andrey Timofeev
Karlene Williams-Clarke

Michael Battista – Chair
Ann Rosenfield – Secretary
Larry Hughsam – Treasurer
Caleb Goodman – Vice-Chair
Gareth Henry
Joan Anderson
Kate Lazier
Michael Murphy
Laurie Arron
Andrey Timofeev
Karlene Williams – Clarke

Michael Battista – Chair
Brian Brenie – Secretary
Larry Hughsam – Treasurer
Laurie Arron
Brian Cartwright
Caleb Goodman
Kate Lazier
Michael Murphy
Ann Rosenfield
Andrey Timofeev
Karlene Williams Clarke
Joan Anderson

Michael Battista – Chair
Brian Brenie – Secretary
Andrey Timofeev – Treasurer
Joan Anderson
Laurie Arron
Caleb Goodman
Gareth Henry
Michael Murphy
Todd Ross
Karlene Williams – Clarke

Michael Battista – Chair
Brian Brenie – Secretary
Todd Ross – Treasurer
Joan Anderson
Malcolm Gilmour
Gareth Henry
Tamara Kronis
Jeff Lindquist
Michael Murphy
Arsham Parsi
Laurie Arron
Justin Taylor
Karlene Williams – Clarke

Joan Anderson
Laurie Arron
Michael Battista
Briane Brenie
Gareth Henry
Tamara Kronis
Arsham Parsi
Todd Ross
Karlene Williams – Clarke

Joan Anderson
Laurie Arron
Michael Battista
Brian Brenie
Gareth Henry
Doug Kerr
Tamara Kronis
Murray Newman
Arsham Parsi
Todd Ross
Karlene Williams – Clarke

Joan Anderson
Michael Battista
Brian Brenie
Gareth Henry
Doug Kerr
Tamara Kronis
Glen Murray
Arsham Parsi
Todd Ross
Karlene Williams – Clarke

Joan Anderson
Michael Battista
Kevin Bourassa
Brian Brenie
Joyce Grigg
Brent Hawkes
Gareth Henry
Doug Kerr
Tamara Kronis
Glen Murray
Arsham Parsi
Todd Ross

Michael Battista
Doug Kerr
Arsham Parsi
Joyce Grigg
Todd Ross
Murray Newman
Davies Bagambiire
Michelle Douglas
Joan Anderson
Glen Murray
Gareth Henry
Tamara Kronis

Michael Battista
Doug Kerr
Arsham Parsi
Joyce Grigg
Todd Ross
Murray Newman
Davies Bagambiire
Michelle Douglas
Joan Anderson
Glen Murray

Michael Battista
Brent Hawkes
Arsham Parsi
Joyce Grigg
Todd Ross
Murray Newman
Davies Bagambiire
Michelle Douglas
Joan Anderson
Glen Murray