International Railroad for Queer Refugees (IRQR) is an international charitable organization based in Toronto, Canada. We provide information, consultation, and training to LGBT refugees who are temporary residing in Turkey and awaiting resettlement.  

IRQR’s mission is relieve poverty for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual (LGBT) refugees living in Turkey by providing the basic necessities of life; and to undertake activities ancillary and incidental to the attainment of the above charitable purpose.

 IRQR assists asylum seeking LGBT with finding refuge and provide them with the opportunity for a new chance at life. We do this by providing education, guidance and food and shelter assistance to LGBT refugees while living in Turkey until they are resettled in a safe country.

With the generous support of people like you, IRQR helps Middle Eastern LGBT get to a safe country like Canada and granted a new chance at life to live far from fear of persecution on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity. 

Since our founding in 2008, our organization has helped more than 2000 individuals who left their country or origin to Turkey and seek international protection. 

IRQR has no government funding. We continue to operate as a grassroots network of activists, volunteers and allies working to answer the call of individuals trying to escape state sponsored violence in Middle East.

Your support makes it possible for IRQR to do this lifesaving work. Please consider making a gift today or becoming a monthly donor.