While pride month is almost over, the importance of supporting and popularizing queer-owned businesses should go on throughout the year. To make your name int he hospitality is hard as it is, to be openly queer often adds up to the troubles. As the individuals who avail of the services of this industry, it is our responsibility to support them and make this space safe for them as well. So, while pride month is ending, here are a few queer-owned businesses you can support throughout the year!

Kitty Su Delhi, Mumbai

Kitty Su is a safe haven for gender-neutral, queer and allies! With its fancy events including drag, music and dance night, it has become one of the most happening queer destinations in Delhi and Mumbai!  It was started by Keshav Suri, the executive director of the Lalit Suri Hospitality group. The executive director, Suri has always been at the forefront of abrogating section 377 and voicing for equal rights. This party place encourages diversity and inclusivity. They also have gender-neutral washrooms in the club!

Amra Odhbut

As the name suggests- Amra Odhbut translates to We are Queer! It is located in South Kolkata and is a cafe-cum-community that creates a safe space for queer interaction and events. It is owned by four queer friends- Upasana Agrawal, Nandini Moitra, Kallol Guha and Raina Roy!

People’s Choice Cafe, Hyderabad

They believe in the right to choose, wherever the choice is concerned! Inside Hyderabad’s first-ever LGBTQIA+ cafe, everything is rainbow. Founded by Hephzibah Smith, who is a member of the LGBTQ+ community, and her business partner Mohammed Adam, People’s Choice Cafe (PCC) welcomes everyone, irrespective of their orientation. They also have a Sunday special Rainbow menu with delicious dishes onboard!

DIVA group of restaurants

Owned by none other, than the sensational Ritu Dalmia- Italian food expert and the diva of Indian fine dining. As a gay woman from a conservative Marwari family helming a kitchen back in the 1990s, Dalmia was an anomaly in many ways. From her choice of profession to her orientation, she has embraced her true nature and overcome many obstacles to create not only an LGBTQIA+ friendly restaurant but a safe space to work for queer people!

There are many more businesses including small businesses for clay pottery, fashion clothing etc that you can find on Instagram and support. Be an Ally!