Latoya Nugent (Head of Engagement, Rainbow Railroad): Fighting for the Future of Queer Refugees

Mission Critical with Lance Chung

Pride is more than a celebration—it’s a call to action. And in a world where LGBTQ+ lives are still under threat, that call has never been more urgent.

In this powerful episode, Lance sits down with Latoya Nugent, Head of Engagement at Rainbow Railroad, an international organization helping LGBTQI+ individuals escape state-sponsored violence and persecution. Latoya speaks not only as a leader, but as a survivor—she was forced to flee Jamaica after being targeted for her identity, and found safety in Canada through Rainbow Railroad’s life-saving work.

Now, she’s building programs that center refugee leadership, amplify queer voices, and push for global systems change. We discuss how displacement shaped her path, why Pride must remain political, and what it means to fight for your rights when the system is not built to protect you.

Key Takeaways:

• The roots of Pride in protest, resistance, and political organizing.
• Why queer and trans refugees face unique dangers worldwide.
• How Rainbow Railroad helps LGBTQ+ individuals escape persecution and find safety.
• Latoya's personal story of forced displacement and transformation into a leader.
• Common myths and harmful narratives about refugees—and how to dismantle them.
• The failures of resettlement systems to protect queer lives.
• The role of refugee-led leadership and the power of lived experience.
• How to build true global solidarity with queer and trans communities at risk.
• What allyship actually looks like beyond social media support.
• Why Pride must remain a force for radical, collective liberation.

Links:

• Rainbow Railroad: https://www.rainbowrailroad.org/
• Donate Now: https://www.rainbowrailroad.org/donate