MANifesto Founder R. Kelly Clipperton Talks Rainbow Railroad

By Karen Bliss

A fun and fabulous gay male vocal group, MANifesto has released a covers album of classics by notable girl groups, such as the Supremes, Spice Girls, the Pointer Sisters and Bananarama, with an aim to raise money and awareness for Rainbow Railroad, an org that helps LGBTQI+ people who live in countries where their sexual orientation puts them in danger due to state-enabled oppression, persecution and violence.

“Once we verify your case, we will try to work with you to develop a solution to make your life safer,” it states on the “request help” page. “We attempt to offer emergency travel support when possible, but we also have a number of other programs that focus on financial aid, applications for government sponsorship, in-country relocation or referrals to others who may be able to help. It is essential that you take steps to develop your own solutions while we work together.”

A portion of the proceeds from the Toronto quintet's debut album, Pinky Swear, will aid the global not-for-profit that, according to stats on its website, has helped more than 1600 individuals “find safety through emergency relocation and other forms of assistance.”

MANifesto founder R. Kelly Clipperton (formerly of Kelly and the Kellygirls and Merkury Burn) assembled the diverse group of fellow gay men with “the right voices and energies” to fulfill his vision. Joining him, just as Kelly, are the also mononymous Brayo, Dionisio, Icarus, and Twaine. – Continue Karen Bliss’s feature on Samaritanmag’s website.