Empower LGBTQ Media Youths in East Europe: Join Us

Hello, I'm Mac,

As a Media Executive with over 50 years of experience in film, television, and attractions, I've had the privilege of mentoring aspiring media talents across the globe. Young filmmakers and media students, especially from Eastern Europe, continually inspire me with their creativity and passion.

Recently, I've encountered many students from countries like Ukraine, Georgia, and Russia whose dreams have been crushed by political turmoil and draconian bureaucracy. They have shared their personal stories of hardship and loss, seeking help to pursue their education and creativity in the United States.

Many of these talented individuals face hatred and harm due to their sexuality, limiting their success in their home countries. They aspire to live where creativity is valued and embraced, regardless of their LGBTQIA+ identity.

I'm excited to share that Rainbow Flight to Freedom (RFTF) has selected two young men to come to the USA this fall, thanks to our collective efforts and your support.

If you’d like a copy of our full proposal and the story of these two candidates, please use the contact button below to drop us a note.

Our Mission

This GoFundMe campaign aims to provide a lifeline for these disappearing talents, offering them a sanctuary to nurture their visions and skills. Rainbow Flight to Freedom helps those escaping draconian LGBTQIA+ laws, providing a safe and supportive environment.

Our First Participants: A Story of Hope and Resilience

In October 2024, Rainbow Flight to Freedom will welcome its first participants at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. These two young men, Rodion and Badri, both 26 years old, embody the resilience and determination that inspire our mission.

Meet Rodion

Rodion, a former media, television, and film production student at Moscow Film School in Russia, is passionate about continuing his studies, with a minor in IT and computer programming.

In mid-March 2022, Rodion's parents discovered he was gay and promptly kicked him out of their home. Forced to endure freezing temperatures, he initially found shelter in the family bathhouse located in the backyard. A friend eventually secured him an apartment, offering some respite. Rodion planned to move to Tbilisi in late May, but just before his departure, he was conscripted into the Russian army and sent to the front lines of the Ukrainian-Russian conflict. This year-long service inflicted severe PTSD on him, a condition he battles daily.

In July 2023, Rodion returned home, only to face the oppressive Russian laws against LGBTQIA+ individuals and further rejection from his parents. In search of a safe haven, he fled to Tbilisi, Georgia. Despite his efforts, Rodion has been unable to receive adequate mental healthcare in Tbilisi. However, upon arriving in America, he will finally have access to the comprehensive support he desperately needs.

Meet Badri

Badri shares Rodion’s passion for media and has a secondary interest in environmental science and zoology, which he hopes to pursue further in the USA.

He is from the small town of Elkhovka in Russia. He, his sister, and her husband moved to Tbilisi just before the conflict with Ukraine began.

Badri managed to secure a good job at a local furniture manufacturer. However, he lived in constant fear of the Russian military police potentially taking him back to Russia. This fear forced him to leave the company. Shortly after leaving the furniture factory, his brother-in-law and sister kicked him out of his own home, leaving him homeless on the cold streets. Fortunately, a mutual friend of Badri and Rodion stepped in and helped him get an apartment.

However, In November 2023, he survived a life-threatening medical emergency that required urgent surgery. His recovery showcased his resilience.

Like Rodion, Badri escaped to Tbilisi to avoid persecution for his sexual orientation. Although neither man was ‘out,’ they were acutely aware of the severe consequences if their secret was discovered. However, life in Georgia has been challenging, as Georgians often treat Russians with disdain, leaving Badri and Rodion isolated and without support.

A Much-Needed Escape for Rodion and Badri

Last Christmas, recognizing their isolation, Rainbow Flight to Freedom organized a holiday retreat for Rodion and Badri in the mountains with our compassionate travel representative and his family. For two weeks, they enjoyed skiing and celebrating the holidays in a warm, welcoming environment. This respite provided them with a cherished escape from their daily struggles and fears.

Building a New Life

Despite their hardships, Rodion and Badri have shown extraordinary work ethic and resilience. They are currently employed on a farm outside Tbilisi, patiently awaiting their chance to start anew in the USA. For over two years, they have expressed a deep desire to seek asylum and become American citizens, where they can live without fear, pursue their dreams, and contribute to the country that offers them this opportunity.

Expanding Our Mission

In addition to Rodion and Badri, Rainbow Flight to Freedom has identified four other candidates equally eager to come to the USA. Each of their stories is compelling and underscores the urgent need for our program. These individuals, like Rodion and Badri, seek not just refuge but the opportunity to contribute their talents and live authentically in a supportive community.

Your Role in Their Journey

The arrival of Rodion and Badri marks a significant milestone in our mission. It is a testament to the collective efforts and support of our community. Your contributions have made this possible, and your continued support will enable us to help more young individuals like them.

Join Us

We invite you to join us in this life-changing mission. Your donation, no matter the size, can make a significant impact. Together, we can help these young people escape their past and embrace a future filled with hope, creativity, and freedom.

For a comprehensive synopsis of Rainbow Flight to Freedom's future efforts, including photos and detailed stories of the men selected to join us, as well as a breakdown of how your donations will be used, please use the "Contact" option on this website to send me a message. I will gladly email you, our proposal.

Thank you for your unwavering support and belief in the power of creativity and the human spirit. Your generosity means the world to us and to those we strive to help.

With much gratitude,

Mac