The Documentary Podcast The Rainbow Railroad
Dec 17, 2019
A couple from Barbados, Jane and Patricia, flee persecution for being gay and seek help from the Rainbow Railroad to relocate to Canada. The podcast follows their journey to safety, showcasing the risks involved and the support provided by the organization. It explores the themes of resilience, enduring bonds, and the importance of feeling safe and accepted.
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Emergency Evacuation After Arson Threat
- Rainbow Railroad expedited a planned month-long extraction to three days after an arson attack threatened a Barbadian couple's lives.
- Devon and the team rearranged flights, logistics, and safety measures so the couple could be flown to Canada immediately.
Demand Far Exceeds Rescue Capacity
- Demand for Rainbow Railroad far outpaces capacity: in 2018 they received 1,300 requests and moved 200 people, and by Dec 2019 requests rose to 3,000.
- The organization prioritizes who to move based on risk and uses limited resources to protect people in immediate danger.
Late Night Airport Handover With New Coats
- The airport handover happened at 3:26 a.m. after delays and closed-door immigration processing, with the couple arriving only with backpacks and new coats.
- Devon and AC Rowe waited hours in near -30°C to meet them and provide warm clothes and transport to beds.