I felt being gay and not being white was hurting me.

“I was working 70 hours a week on average, and the people above me are working 45 hours a week and golfing,” Lahoti said. He said his previous workplace - a large banking and insurance firm - failed to properly reward his skill and hard work, so he left the workplace to create a welcoming environment of his own. 1 consultant in Ohio to opening Union Cafe. In 1996, then-25-year-old Lahoti decided to make the switch from being the No.

We provide a place you can go and feel connected - whatever you are feeling, we are there for you.” “You can be with your peers and feel welcomed. “People come here and meet people,” Lahoti said. He said his goal for the cafe is to provide a chance for the LGBT community to thrive in a common location without having to worry about a judgmental or unwelcoming environment. Lahoti, owner and founder of the restaurant, said Union Cafe was one of Columbus’ first LGBT bars and the third LGBT bar in the country with open windows to the street, despite the risk that often came with being an openly gay establishment at the time. Credit: Justin Howard | Lantern ReporterĪfter years of longing for judgment-free workplaces and communities around Columbus, Rajesh Lahoti said he decided to create his own safe space by opening Union Cafe. Union Cafe’s two gay pride flags represent cafe owner Rajesh Lahoti’s desire to create a welcoming environment.