The Route: July Edition

Jul 15

THE ROUTE

July 2025

Welcome to the July edition of The Route, your monthly update from Rainbow Routes filled with queer joy, global connection, and updates from our growing community.

Updates

June was a big month for Rainbow Routes, and we’re still riding the wave of gratitude and momentum it brought. Thanks to many of you reading this, we’ve now raised over $10,000 through grassroots crowdfunding alone. That’s an incredible milestone, and it goes a long way at this early stage of building something from the ground up.

Because of this support, we’re now moving forward with formalizing partnerships for our first programs in 2026! We’re not quite ready to share full details yet, but let’s just say: it’s getting real. We’re hoping to share more in the next newsletter, and we can’t wait.

In the meantime, we’re excited to announce that we’re opening applications for volunteer roles! Rainbow Routes is currently fully volunteer-led and operated, and these new roles are a chance to help shape this work in its foundational stages. There are two volunteer opportunities available – please complete this form if you’re interested, or reach out directly (info@rainbowroutes.org) if you have any questions before applying.

Want to Support in Other Ways?

💸 Donate: We’ve received contributions from 40 individuals so far, from $20 to $2,000, and every one of them has helped lay the foundation for what we’re building. At this early stage, every gift truly helps!
📣 Spread the Word: Know someone who cares about LGBTQ+ youth, study abroad, or building global community? Forward this email or share our story!
📱 Follow Us: We’re now on Instagram (@rainbowroutes_org), and our LinkedIn is growing with almost 600 followers!
🤝 Partner with Us: If your organization or community wants to collaborate, let’s talk!

Queer History Spotlight: Cape Town

Cape Town has long been a hub for the LGBTQ+ community, known for its resilience and celebration. During apartheid, queer communities across South Africa faced systemic oppression, but still found ways to build spaces of connection and care – like Kewpie’s salon in Cape Town’s District Six, a gathering space where queer community, joy, and self-expression could thrive. In the early 1990s, LGBTQ+ activists played a crucial role in the country’s transition out of apartheid. In 1993, Cape Town hosted its first Pride march. A year later, South Africa adopted the world’s first constitution to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation. In 2006, it became the first country on the continent to legalize same-sex marriage.

Today, Cape Town’s LGBTQ+ community is celebrated across several neighborhoods, including Green Point and De Waterkant, known for their queer-friendly venues and vibrant culture. In Green Point, the city recently unveiled a rainbow crosswalk, alongside a “Pink Route” — a pink sidewalk strip guiding visitors through this lively LGBTQIA+ district.

Cape Town Pride draws thousands annually but has also faced criticism over practices of racial exclusion. In response, activists created alternative Pride events, focusing on intersectionality and inclusion. These conversations aren’t unique to Cape Town. Similar tensions around race, class, and queer visibility surface in Pride celebrations around the world. They’re powerful reminders of why intersectionality matters and why Rainbow Routes is committed to developing programs that reflect the wide range of queer experiences across cultures and identities.

Looking ahead, Cape Town will make history by hosting WorldPride in 2028 — the first time this global celebration will take place on the continent. Cape Town also holds personal significance for Rainbow Routes. One of our board members lives there, and our founder’s first job after college was with Stanford’s study abroad program in the city. These roots inspire our dedication to developing global queer programs grounded in justice, connection, and care.

Sparking Queer Joy: News & Resources

With what can feel like a constant flow of bad news these days, we’re making space to celebrate moments of joy alongside resources for our community:

🎤 Pattie Gonia on the TED Stage: Climate activist and drag artist Pattie Gonia reminds us why joy is a serious form of resistance.
🇭🇺 Budapest Pride Defies Ban: Despite harsh anti-LGBTQ+ laws, Budapest hosted its largest-ever Pride march.
🧳 Travel Industry Doubles Down on Inclusion: Business Traveler USA spotlights inclusive destinations and how the industry is stepping up for LGBTQ+ inclusion.
🇵🇷 Legal Recognition in Puerto Rico: A landmark Supreme Court ruling now allows “X” gender markers on birth certificates, expanding visibility and legal dignity for nonbinary people.