Hello friends ,

Around the world LGBTQI+ people continue to face oppression; in almost 70 countries there are laws that criminalize same sex intimacy and discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. In eight countries same sex intimacy is punishable by death. The global refugee crisis is exasperating the plight of LGBTQI people worldwide. Rainbow Railroad exists to provide a solution to this problem, to provide solutions for individuals facing imminent danger and to get them to safety.

At Handlebar, we try to walk the walk when it comes to be being both members and allies of the LGBTQI+ community, and on May 1st, we will not only be walking the walking but running the run! We are running half-marathons to raise money for Rainbow Railroad and raise awareness that while inclusivity may be progressing, there’s much work to be done both here in Canada and around the world. We are moving forward, but we can always do more and go further!

Lots of love,

Zac and Hannah 

Xox