Hy Local Guides, 
As part of Support Local LGBTQ+ Friendly Businesses - Challenge : #Pride, I am introducing unique LGBTQ+ friendly businesses in my hometown, Trivandrum, India. They are not only LGBTQ+ friendly but also created such a unique business where they blend cafes and restaurants together to create a cosy and relaxing place.
Meet Leo, Rajesh and Anders.
Leo, Rajesh and Anders are the owners of the Velvet Dawn Cafe & Restaurant. They started working together in 2017. Rajesh is from Trivandrum and Leo & Anders are from Sweden. Leo and Anders are a couple and met Rajesh in the 90s during their visit to his business as a customer. This is what made their cafe or restaurant an unique blend of diversity of two countries and Inclusiveness.
From left to right: Anders & Leo, a beautiful Couple.
Let’s hear what they have to say:
- Can you tell us about your business and what inspired you to have a LGBTQ+ friendly tag?
Answer : We serve food that’s inspired from continental and Kerala/Indian style and also south east Asian food with touch of Sweden. We also have coffee and Swedish cakes. Coffee breaks with cakes are important for Swedish people. We like the idea that food brings people together. We know it’s important to have a safe place for LGBTQ+ individuals to meet, have a date or come for work. People of all ages and spectrum are welcome to our business.
- How do you think the cafe’s diverse ownership and staff contributes to its unique Atmosphere?
Answer : We bring together ideas from Sweden and Kerala/India. It broadens our thinking and practice to make our customers feel good and try diverse food from both countries. We have separate dishes from each country and blend them to create something beautiful and tasty. This diverse ownership mainly contributes towards what we are now.
- How do you use Google Maps to promote your business with having LGBTQ+ friendly features enabled?
Answer : We have enabled LGBTQ+ friendly option on Google Maps and we have many LGBTQ+ people and friends coming here. Because of Google Maps and enabling the feature, we are thankful that LGBTQ+ community people or individuals or anyone from the spectrum can visit and spend time.
- Are there any new initiatives you are planning to come forward as part of this cafe/Restaurant?
Answer : We are thinking about having a different outlet with having LGBTQ+ members as staff. Also we might soon open a space or a coffee shop for Auditory Accessibility.
Thank you Leo, Rajesh and Anders for giving me such a wonderful interview & also being LGBTQ+ friendly Business.
Share such stories LGBTQ+ friendly or LGBTQ+ owned businesses in the comment or as post to our community.
#pride
