“Inclusive offices don’t just welcome diversity; they celebrate it, because when everyone feels seen, everyone shines”. – Keshav Suri
For far too long, Indian workplaces have been a bit of a “straight-laced” affair, leaving LGBTQIA+ individuals to navigate environments that were, shall we say, less than welcoming. But, as the saying goes, “Times are a-changin!” Today, organizations are finally waking up to the fact that inclusivity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a business imperative.
With the introduction of gender-neutral policies, health insurance covering same-sex partners, gender-neutral washrooms, and sensitization programs, many companies are taking significant steps toward fostering safer and more inclusive workspaces.
These efforts are not just about compliance or optics—they aim to create spaces where queer individuals can thrive professionally without fear of discrimination or exclusion.
To gain deeper insights into this transformation, we turn to Keshav Suri, Executive Director of The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group and a trailblazer in the LGBTQIA+ space. Through his initiatives like the Keshav Suri Foundation and the creation of Kitty Su—India’s longest-running inclusive nightclub—he has championed safe spaces for the queer community.
So what exactly does having a queer-friendly workspace mean?
For decades, Indian workplaces have been slow to embrace the idea of queer-friendly environments, leaving LGBTQIA+ individuals to navigate spaces that were often indifferent, if not outright hostile, to their identities. However, the tide is finally turning.
“A queer-friendly workspace in India today means more than just token gestures during Pride Month; it’s about creating a culture where diversity is celebrated, and inclusion is ingrained in everyday practices.” Says Keshav Suri.
“This involves implementing policies that go beyond the basics—like gender-neutral washrooms and health insurance for same-sex partners—to actively addressing biases and fostering a sense of belonging.” He adds.
In India, where societal norms often lag behind legal progress (such as the decriminalization of Section 377 in 2018), creating truly inclusive workplaces requires bold steps. It’s about moving beyond “window dressing” to ensure that LGBTQIA+ employees have equal opportunities for growth, access to gender-affirming healthcare, and respect for their chosen names and pronouns. A queer-friendly workplace isn’t just a space—it’s a statement that individuality matters and everyone deserves a seat at the table.
The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group has positioned itself as a leader in creating queer-friendly spaces within the hospitality industry in India. The group has implemented a range of initiatives to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, both for its employees and guests.
Through programs like Pure Love, gender-neutral policies, and inclusive recruitment strategies,
The Lalit ensures that individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community feel respected and valued.
The group actively hires LGBTQIA+ employees, including transgender individuals, and provides them with training and grooming through its hospitality school to ensure their seamless integration into the workforce.
The Lalit has also introduced the Aditya Nanda Scholarship, which supports LGBTQIA+ students in pursuing hospitality education. Since 2019, several recipients of this scholarship have joined The Lalit team, further embedding inclusivity into its operations.
Additionally, the group’s hotels feature gender-neutral bathrooms and employee resource groups to foster a sense of belonging. Beyond internal efforts, The Lalit supports LGBTQIA+ tourism by hosting events like Pride parties and partnering with organizations such as the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA) to promote queer-friendly travel.
Globally, the winds of change are blowing strong, and while India might be catching up at its own pace, the trajectory is unmistakably forward. From decriminalizing same-sex relationships to the rise of queer-friendly venues, the country is gradually embracing its rainbow-hued future.
“Sure, there’s still a tendency to tiptoe around full acceptance—perhaps with a polite “Come on a Tuesday night” instead of Saturday—but the narrative is shifting.” Believes Keshav Suri.
India may not yet be sprinting ahead, but it’s certainly walking in the right direction, even if it occasionally stops to check for reassurance.
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