In a world that often asks queer individuals to shrink themselves, Mithun Chatterjee, chose to expand. From private house parties in Chandigarh to founding one of Delhi’s few gay-owned wellness sanctuaries, his journey is equal parts grit and grace. As the founder of Bellissimo Wellness & Café, #HeTravels, he’s carved out affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ folks to gather, heal and thrive. In this exclusive Pride Month interview, he reflects on the business of belonging, the power of queer resilience, and what it really means to build community with intention.
How do you celebrate Pride, and what does it mean to you personally?
Pride for me is not confined to a parade or a month—it’s a lifestyle and a responsibility. This year, I’ve focused on increasing our procurement from LGBTQ-owned businesses and diversifying our recruitment policies. I’m not the type to take center stage at panels or talk shows, but you’ll find me quietly curating spaces—events, wellness initiatives, and safe environments that nourish our community. Pride, to me, means action: fighting for dignity, equality, and visibility in whatever form your skill set allows.
How can individuals from the community make a meaningful impact during Pride Month?
Start where you are—with conversations, with awareness, with empathy. Educate your circles—parents, friends, colleagues, even the domestic staff. True change begins at home. Support queer artists, entrepreneurs, and activists—especially those less visible or privileged. You don’t need to be an influencer to influence. Whether you’re a writer, a teacher, a chef, or a coder—your skills can uplift someone else. Collective progress is built through individual contributions, and those small ripples eventually create waves.
What inspired you to enter queer entrepreneurship?
It all began when I was transferred to Chandigarh—a city I love but found lacking in queer nightlife. I started hosting house parties that quickly became popular. With time, I partnered with a lounge at the heart of the city to organize the city’s first “Men Only” party. One event turned into 50. Later, I curated queer group tours—#HeTravels was born.
When I moved back to Delhi, I noticed a gap in the market: queer accessories and pride-themed merchandise. After researching vendors, I imported my first order of rainbow accessories & other queer apparels from abroad. That leap of faith led to the launch of #PrideStoreIndia, catering to a growing demand for queer identity products. It’s always been about building what didn’t exist for us.
How did the idea for Bellissimo Wellness & Café take shape?
Bellissimo was born from both pain and purpose. I was terminated from my corporate job in 2018 due to my sexual orientation. It was humiliating. They withheld my salary and said I deserved it. I couldn’t even share the trauma with family.
Just days later, the Supreme Court decriminalized Section 377. That moment gave me clarity: If I can’t live and work with dignity, then I must create a space where others can. I invested everything I had into building Bellissimo—a space where no one would be judged for who they love or what they wear. That moment of loss gave birth to a legacy of healing.
What advice would you give queer individuals aspiring to start a business that serves the LGBTQ+ community?
The foundation of any impactful business—especially in queer spaces—is passion. You need to be deeply aligned with your core offering, something that not only energizes you but resonates with your values. Challenges will come: family opposition, social stigma, slow sales, and moments of self-doubt. There will be times when even your closest peers may not understand your path. But if you’re anchored in purpose and perseverance, you’ll weather it. Brush up on your digital skills, build a network, and trust your authenticity. The world doesn’t need another generic brand—it needs you, as you are.
Do you think DE&I policies and awareness have reduced workplace discrimination?
There’s been progress, especially in MNCs with structured DE&I frameworks. But a vast majority of queer Indians still work in environments without such policies. They’re forced to live dual lives, navigating homophobia and outdated mindsets. True inclusion isn’t just HR checkboxes; it’s about cultural shifts. Many still believe LGBTQ+ presence affects productivity—which is both baseless and damaging. Until inclusivity becomes mainstream across sectors, not just elite boardrooms, we have a long way to go.
What have been some of your proudest milestones since starting your entrepreneurial journey?
Seeing Bellissimo grow from a tiny vision into a community hub has been incredibly fulfilling. Our first successful Pride tour. Our first repeat customer. The first time someone said, “I feel safe here.” Those are the milestones I’ll always hold close.
What’s your vision for the queer business ecosystem in India?
I’d love to see more collaboration, not competition. More queer businesses supporting each other, building shared platforms, and mentoring the next generation. It’s time we stop waiting for validation from outside and start investing in each other.
How do you take care of your own mental health as a queer entrepreneur?
It’s not easy. I burn out. I doubt myself. But I’ve learned to create boundaries and rituals—whether that’s a solo walk, aromatherapy, or just a quiet evening offline. I remind myself that I’m not just building a business, I’m healing, too.
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About the Author:
Mithun Chatteejee is a Delhi-based queer entrepreneur, community builder, and the visionary behind Bellissimo Wellness & Café, PrideStoreIndia, and #HeTravels. Through his ventures, he advocates for inclusive spaces, economic empowerment and mental well-being within the LGBTQ+ community. When he’s not hosting events or sourcing queer products, he’s dreaming up new ways to make India safer, softer, and prouder.
Quotes by Mithun Chatterjee
“If I can’t live and work with dignity, then I must create a space where others can.”
“You don’t need to be an influencer to influence.”
“Bellissimo was born from both pain and purpose.”
“Not all of us can be activists—but all of us can act.”
