RainbowRefugeesNS

Rainbow Refugee Association of Nova Scotia

pic Established in 2011, RRANS is a grass-roots non-profit that is the only organization in Atlantic Canada committed specifically to LGBTQI+ refugee resettlement. Over the past 14 years, we have successfully resettled 52 LGBTQI+ individuals, couples, and families in Nova Scotia and provided support to numerous other LGBTQI+ newcomers, embodying our dedication to building inclusive and secure communities.

RRANS is dedicated to providing private sponsorship and settlement assistance for LGBTQI+ refugees seeking resettlement in Nova Scotia. Our settlement support initiatives encompass a wide range of services, including but not limited to navigating systems for health, housing, education, and employment; offering emotional support; and fostering meaningful community connections with local newcomer and 2SLGBTQI+ communities across Nova Scotia. RRANS also engages in education and advocacy, creating resources and working with partner organizations to ensure that LGBTQI+ refugees and newcomers are supported, included, and welcomed across communities.

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History

August 23, 2011
Launched, "to address issues around LGBT asylum seekers and international LGBT rights"
December 9, 2013
Email newsletter: asks people to invite an RRANS sponsored refugee to your holiday festivities; donations of furniture, specifically chest of drawers, study desks, laptops & computer chairs; call for volunteers and of course making a donation.
2021 Pride Festival
RRANS Co-Founder Corrie Melanson moderated a panel for Halifax Pride's Noon-Hour Panel Series this year. The panel, which can be watched through the link above, brought together 2SLGBTQ+ newcomers to discuss overcoming social isolation - a barrier that had been compounded during the COVID-19 pandemic.
RRANS participated in the Halifax Pride Community Wellness Fair on August 14th & 15th. We got the chance to meet community members, tell them about some of the work RRANS does, and we found some new volunteers.
We also held our Queering the World: Welcome BBQ on Sunday, August 15th. The event was very well attended, and we were able to give out veggie and chicken dogs, plus some gelato and chips, to attendees. The event was set to the wonderful music of DJ Zuluboy.
May, 2023
Toolkit Coordinator: Dineh Guadalupe Guerrero Hernandez
2024
Exec Director is Rhiannon Makohoniuk
2025
Co-Executive Director Orlando Tovar joins alongside Co-Executive Director Rhiannon Makohoniuk