With Pride Month drawing to a close, members of the Canadian 2SLGBTQIA+ community were able to celebrate their identities while out and proud. However, others across the world are forced to leave home as a result of anti-2SLGBTQIA+ persecution. In the pursuit of living authentically, many come to Canada but newcomers may still face other intersectional barriers upon their arrival. This is where organizations come in, dedicating their time to help these refugees navigate their new lives and identities.
Among these organizations is the recently formed TRAIL Movement Toronto (TMT), which launched on June 20, recognized as World Refugee Day. TMT was founded and is led by Black and racialized Queer refugees, and according to President and Chair Ricardo Simpson, its goal is to address “the unique vulnerabilities and strengths of refugees, particularly Black, Brown, and racialized 2SLGBTQIA+ newcomers.” The leadership of the organization, who were all previously involved in the refugee and newcomer sector, have witnessed a growing need for spaces and community support for these racialized newcomers, refugee claimants, asylum seekers, and refugees.
According to the French association, ECPM (Together Against the Death Penalty), twelve countries across Africa and Asia still carry death sentences for identifying as LGBTQIA2S+. Besides capital punishment, prison sentences are prescribed in countries such as Morocco, Oman, and Malaysia, while Russia heavily restricts identity through the active targeting of activist groups, and conversion therapy is still employed in the United States of America. In March 2026, the US Supreme Court struck down the State of Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy, siding with a therapist who argued that the ban “violated her free speech rights.”
For some, persecution may extend past the governments of their former countries to their families and communities. As Simpson points out, this leaves many to “struggle with isolation, loneliness, and a lack of belonging while adjusting to a new country,” especially at the intersections of race, culture, migration, and identity. A lifetime of stigmatization, discrimination, and fear can take their toll on individuals, which Simpson describes as trauma that does not “disappear the moment someone crosses a border.”
Arriving in Canada is only the start of these newcomers’ journeys towards living authentically. In response, TMT’s mission is “to create safe, affirming, and empowering spaces where Black, Brown, and racialized Queer refugees and newcomers can access community, wellness, leadership opportunities, and support as they rebuild their lives in Canada.” This mission is especially important during Pride Month, which, to Simpson, “represents freedom: the freedom to be yourself, to live authentically, and to exist without fear.”
TMT’s vision is to help create the next generation of racialized Queer leaders who can support others on that journey towards freedom. The organization hopes for newcomers to not only adjust and survive in Canada, but thrive with supports like community, mentorship, wellness, and shared knowledge. Simpson explains that the name “TRAIL” was selected to “reflect [this] journey that many newcomers take.” Those with lived experience, professional expertise, or a desire to support others are encouraged to become part of the process to build stronger, more connected communities. “Like any journey, there can be obstacles and uncertainty along the way,” says Simpson. “What makes a difference is having people beside you who can…remind you that you do not have to walk the path alone.”
Contact info@trailmovementto.org to get involved or visit their website here.
