While many organizations support LGBTQI+ refugees after they arrive in Canada, Rainbow Haven focuses on a critical middle stage
A commentary by the communications director of Rainbow Haven.
A grassroots organization founded in Victoria is making an international impact by providing lifesaving support to LGBTQI+ asylum-seekers in Africa — and its reach continues to grow.
Rainbow Haven, a volunteer-run nonprofit, was founded by Emel, a refugee from The Gambia who fled persecution in 2014 after that country passed laws imposing life imprisonment for homosexuality.
After escaping to Senegal, Emel faced homelessness and exploitation while navigating a difficult and dangerous asylum process.
His journey took a turn when he connected with a group of gay and lesbian Gambian asylum-seekers who had been living on the street in Senegal.
They were being helped by two Victoria residents — a gay Gambian expat, who wishes to remain anonymous, and Duane Lecky.
They had just launched a GoFundMe campaign to support the group’s basic needs. Emel vowed that one day he would help others, too.
Now a Canadian citizen living in Ottawa, Emel works as a care aide and is studying to become a nurse.
He founded Rainbow Haven with the help of Lecky and a group from the Anglican Church of St. John the Divine (Victoria) to ensure that others in similar situations have access to shelter, food and safety at the most vulnerable stage of their journey — before reaching Canada or another safe country.
“Rainbow Haven exists to hold the door open for others, not close it behind us,” said Emel, who works closely with Lecky, now chair of the organization’s board.
While many organizations support LGBTQI+ refugees after they arrive in Canada, Rainbow Haven focuses on a critical middle stage.
With donations from supporters and a major contribution from Citizens for Public Justice, a national faith-based advocacy group, Rainbow Haven has established two safe houses in Dakar, Senegal.
The group aims to expand internationally through partnerships. Recently, Victoria’s Christ Church Cathedral, a publicly affirming LGBTQI+ parish, collaborated with Kenyan organization Upper Rift Minorities to open a Rainbow Haven safe house in Kenya.
The project is co-ordinated by Anthony Danda, cathedral warden, who describes the initiative as a natural extension of the church’s commitment to human dignity and refugee relief.
Although Rainbow Haven is not a religious organization, Lecky says faith communities have become key partners as aging parishes seek meaningful ways to remain engaged in refugee work despite dwindling volunteers.
Looking ahead, Lecky envisions Rainbow Haven operating as a “hub and spoke” network, with safe-house committees forming under the Rainbow Haven umbrella across various countries.
“Our work doesn’t stop at borders,” he said. “Wherever there’s a need, we want to be there.”
Rainbow Haven will be present at Pride in the Park in Victoria on July 6, offering community members a chance to connect and learn more about the organization’s mission.
More information about Rainbow Haven, including donation opportunities, is available atrainbowhaven.org.