Trail Movement launches to support racialized Queer refugees

Trail Movement Toronto officially launches on Saturday, June 20—World Refugee Day—with a mission to support "Black and Brown Queer refugees, asylum seekers and newcomers through community-building, wellness programming and culturally responsive support."

The organization was founded by Ricardo Simpson, who arrived in Canada as a refugee from Jamaica ten years ago, and executive director Dave Kerr. Both bring lived experience as 2SLGBTQIA+ newcomers and years of work in refugee advocacy and settlement services.

"Being in Canada, getting to a safe place, is a journey," Simpson said. "It's a journey of understanding who you are. It's a journey of navigating the system. It's a journey of acceptance." Now, a decade after his arrival, he is creating the support network he wished he had found on arrival.

For many Queer refugees, arriving in Canada means escaping persecution for their gender identity or sexuality while simultaneously leaving behind family, support networks and community. Unlike many newcomers who arrive with family or friends, the majority of 2SLGBTQIA+ refugees face the additional challenge of arriving alone.

"Very often they come to spaces like Canada not having community, not having support," Kerr said. "We realized there are systemic gaps that exist. There are organizations that focus on housing and education, but Queer refugees face unique challenges around belonging, isolation and community."

Trail Movement's programming includes peer support sessions, financial literacy workshops, entrepreneurship training and a hiking initiative called For the Love of Hiking. Simpson emphasized the role of nature as an outlet and space for healing.

"A big part of the work we will do is providing a sense of belonging, a sense of purpose and bringing back dignity to refugees," Kerr said.