Cherese Reemaul- October 12, 2026
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- 9 minutes Read
Queen Kash Bae: A RaricaNow Archival Narrative of Love, Loss, and Liberation
Today, Mama Kash serves as one of RaricaNow’s longest‑standing board members, her enduring love woven into the fabric of the organization. But the story of how she arrived here — and how her daughter, Queen Kash Bae, became part of RaricaNow’s history — is also the story of how RaricaNow itself grew into a lifeline for queer and trans newcomers across continents.
RaricaNow is a non‑profit organization founded in 2017 with a clear and urgent purpose: to promote human rights for LGBTIQ+ refugees and newcomers in Canada, and to raise awareness about the gaps in services and the struggles faced by this unique population. It emerged because queer and trans newcomers were falling through every crack — immigration systems, social services, housing supports, and community networks. RaricaNow stepped in where no one else did, building a space where safety, dignity, and belonging were not luxuries but expectations.
The organization began in a small community center, offering support groups, counseling, and educational workshops. Word spread quickly. People who had never before felt seen found a place where they could breathe. As demand grew, RaricaNow expanded into larger spaces, built more programs, and deepened its commitment to trauma‑informed, culturally grounded care. It became a home — not just in Edmonton, but across borders.
Among the many people whose lives intersected with RaricaNow, few stories illustrate the organization’s impact more powerfully than the story of Queen Kash Bae and her mother, Mama Kash.
