Activism to Action: Latoya Nugent and Rainbow Railroad’s Crucial Work

Happy Pride, y'all! It's important to remember that Pride  is a protest, first and foremost. In this powerful episode, Latoya Nugent shares her emotional journey from renown LGBTQ+ advocacy in Jamaica to finding safety in Canada through Rainbow Railroad. (Latoya's interview starts at 9:59). 

Latoya Nugent is the Head of Engagement at Rainbow Railroad. Originally from Jamaica and currently residing in Toronto, Canada, Latoya was relocated from her home country due to the threatening environment created by her queer, feminist activism. In Jamaica, the legislative framework and societal attitudes lead to widespread violence, persecution, and discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community. Now, in Toronto, Latoya continues her work advocating for and supporting LGBTQ+ rights on a global scale with Rainbow Railroad.

(Donate to the Solidarity In Pride fundraising effort here)

Below are the key takeaways from this episode:

• Rainbow Railroad's Impact: The episode highlights Rainbow Railroad’s vital role in helping LGBTQ+ individuals from countries that criminalize being LGBTQ+, and their ongoing efforts to support those in need of international relocation and domestic resettlement.
• Navigating Legislation and Relocation: Latoya Nugent discusses the varying degrees of acceptance and legal support for LGBTQA+ people across the US and how anti-trans laws are prompting relocations within the country and to places like Canada.
• Latoya's Advocacy in Jamaica: Latoya shares her work in Jamaica, organizing pride events and advocating for LGBTQ+ visibility, despite facing significant legal and social challenges.
• Community and Financial Support: Emphasis is placed on the necessity for both financial contributions and volunteer efforts to support the resettlement and integration of LGBTQ+ refugees, including Rainbow Railroad's current fundraising goals. 

Find Rainbow Railroad + Latoya online

Rainbow Railroad: www.rainbowrailroad.org
Solidarity In Pride Fundraising Campaign ($2million goal this June)
Volunteer with Rainbow Railroad
Latoya’s story https://youtu.be/R7XnmT7X2UA

Rainbow Relocation Strategies
The Adventure Calls podcast is brought to you by Rainbow Relocation Strategies, the first and only LGBTQ+ centered company empowering queer folks and their families to move, live and thrive abroad. 

Rainbow Relocation Strategies www.rainbowrelo.com
Instagram: @rainbowrelo
Community: Queer Expats Facebook Group
Book: How To Move Abroad
Host: Jessicadrucker.com

The Adventure Calls podcast is a bi-weekly podcast that seeks to empower queer folks to move, live and thrive abroad with interviews with relocation experts, queer expats who have successfully relocated and other organizations that give a lens on the LGBTQ+ experience in the world.