Beyond Refugee Settlement
Migration Pathways for LGBTQIA+ People
This guide provides life-changing options for LGBTQIA+ individuals facing violence, discrimination, or exclusion—especially those who cannot access traditional refugee resettlement through Rainbow Railroad, Rainbow Refugee, or UNHCR.
It includes legal migration pathways, scholarships, humanitarian visas, and employment programs that LGBTQIA+ people have used successfully to reach safety and rebuild their lives.
Studying abroad is one of the most accessible and legal ways to leave a dangerous country.
Scholarships (Fully Funded)
• DAFI – UNHCR scholarships for refugee youth
https://www.unhcr.org/dafi-scholarships.html• Chevening Scholarships (United Kingdom)
https://www.chevening.org/• WUSC – Student Refugee Program (Canada)
https://wusc.ca• Columbia University – Scholarship for Displaced Students
https://globalcenters.columbia.edu• UBC International Scholars Program
https://you.ubc.ca/financial-planning/scholarships-awards/international-scholars/• University of Toronto Scholars for Displaced Students
Some countries offer immigration pathways through job offers, skilled work visas, or economic mobility programs. These are open to people with trade, tech, caregiving, or academic backgrounds—even without refugee status.
Job Matching and Support
• Talent Beyond Boundaries
https://www.talentbeyondboundaries.org• TalentLift (Canada)
https://www.talentlift.ca• Na’amal – Remote work and soft skills training
https://www.naamal.org• HIAS Livelihood Programs
https://hias.org
If you are in a relationship with someone who is a citizen or permanent resident of a safe country, they may be able to sponsor you for immigration, even if you're not legally married.
Countries that recognize same-sex marriage include:
• Canada
• Spain
• United Kingdom
• France
• Germany
• Netherlands
Applicants typically must show proof of a genuine relationship (photos, messages, cohabitation, visits).
Short-term emergency relocation or residency options are available for LGBTQIA+ writers, activists, and human rights defenders.
• ProtectDefenders.eu – Emergency relocation and legal aid
https://protectdefenders.eu• Front Line Defenders – Temporary relocation for defenders at risk
https://www.frontlinedefenders.org• ICORN – International Cities of Refuge Network for artists and writers
https://www.icorn.org• Artists at Risk – Residencies and emergency protection
https://artistsatrisk.org• PEN International – Writer and journalist protection
https://pen-international.org