Milkind Cafe in Delhi Is Brewing Queer-Inclusive Change—One Coffee at a Time

In the bustling heart of Greater Kailash 2, where Delhi's elite frequent trendy eateries and upscale boutiques, sits a cafe that dares to be different. Milkind isn't just another artisanal coffee shop competing for Instagram-worthy moments—it's a revolutionary space where social consciousness meets exceptional hospitality, where every sip comes with a side of solidarity, and where the simple act of sharing a meal becomes an act of rebellion against societal prejudice.

Founded by Yajur Arora, Milkind represents a new breed of hospitality ventures that recognise their power to shape social narratives. In an era where businesses often shy away from taking political stances, this GK2 establishment boldly positions itself as a beacon for inclusivity, particularly championing LGBTQIA+ rights whilst maintaining its doors open to all. As Arora explains, "I don't believe in boxes. I don't believe in labels. If I'm speaking about the LGBTQIA+ community, I'm speaking about their freedom to be."

The Ethos: Freedom, Kindness, and Authentic Living

The name Milkind itself tells a story of purposeful intention. "Mill is where you produce, and kind is with kindness," Arora explains. Drawing inspiration from the industrial mills of yesteryear, he envisioned creating something equally productive—but instead of cotton or grain, Milkind produces a culture of acceptance and equality.

The cafe's philosophy centres around principles that Arora believes should be basic human rights rather than privileges to be fought for. "I think in today's world, freedom is anyone's birthright. It's not something that we should be fighting for," he states passionately. Whether patrons identify as LGBTQIA+, come from diverse ethnic backgrounds, or represent any other marginalised community, Milkind positions itself as a sanctuary where authenticity isn't just welcomed—it's celebrated.

This philosophy extends beyond mere tolerance to active advocacy. The cafe's newsletter eloquently captures this sentiment: "In 2025, we should not still be fighting for marriage equality, for adoption rights, for the right simply to exist without fear. It should not take courage to live authentically. It should only take being human." The establishment also draws upon India's rich cultural heritage: "Long before colonial laws tried to erase diversity, our own cultures, our Dharmic traditions, our mythologies - honoured gender fluidity, honoured same-sex love, honoured those who defied binaries."

Supporting the Cause: Beyond Rainbow Flags and Pride Month

Milkind's commitment to LGBTQIA+ rights manifests in tangible, everyday practices rather than performative gestures. The most immediately visible sign is their all-gender restroom—a seemingly small detail that speaks volumes. "If you look at our bathroom, we have an all-gender restroom. That's our openness to embrace that, you know, we're welcome to people of any background, any race, any sexual identity, gender, to come here and enjoy this space as an equal," Arora notes.

The cafe regularly hosts community events, including book launches, meet-and-greet sessions, and chess tournaments, specifically designed to bring together LGBTQ+ individuals and allies. "We've done a book launch here, where the community came and did, like, a small launch. We have done some events. We did a meet-and-greet event for the community as well," Arora recounts. The space also provides a platform for queer entrepreneurs and artists, hosting pop-up stores and art exhibitions that showcase work from community members.

Perhaps most importantly, Arora acknowledges that true change requires both external legal recognition and internal community representation. "While that's also happening, I think there's also an internal responsibility that we have as LGBTQIA+ to create representation. Like, in India, I don't see a lot of gay couples having representation around family." He advocates for authentic representation that challenges stereotypes: "A man can also be very masculine and like the same gender and like go to the gym, like boxing, like other sports, and still identify as gay."

Food, Ambience, and the Art of Inclusive Hospitality

Despite its strong social mission, Milkind doesn't compromise on the fundamentals of exceptional hospitality. The cafe boasts an impressive menu featuring banoffee pie, mango cheesecake, blueberry cheesecake, chocolate croissants, and various Danish pastries, all priced competitively. The space functions as what Arora describes as "a coffee place, eatery & art gallery," combining multiple experiences under one roof.

The cafe's design philosophy reflects its inclusive ethos through carefully curated messaging throughout the space. "If you've noticed little things in our cafe, like the messages that talk about equality and kindness, inclusivity," Arora points out. The ambience strikes a delicate balance between welcoming all whilst creating particular safety for LGBTQIA+ patrons.

Arora measures success not in revenue figures but in moments of authentic connection: "Where I feel achievement as a founder is when I see people from the community come in, and they hold hands, and they feel safe. Sometimes they kiss and I feel like that's when I've achieved to create a safe space." The cafe maintains flexibility with both dine-in experiences and delivery services throughout Delhi, ensuring accessibility for all customers.

The Choice: Why Authenticity Matters in 2025

Arora's decision to position Milkind as an explicitly inclusive space wasn't made without consideration of potential commercial consequences. He openly acknowledges the initial challenges: "When I opened, I thought the response would be very positive, but I struggled with it because I had backlash. A lot of people came to me and said, oh, you're an LGBTQIA+ cafe, and a lot of heterosexuals didn't feel very comfortable coming in."

Yet rather than retreating from his principles, Arora doubled down on his commitment to authenticity. His response to critics reveals the depth of his conviction: "I don't believe in labels. We're not trying to be in a label here, but what we're trying to say is that these things in today's world should not be something that we need to fight for."

This stance reflects a broader understanding of how social change occurs. As articulated by Arora, "The journey to living authentically is not easy. It never has been. But it is necessary. Choosing yourself, choosing your love, will come with its own storms - yet it will also bring a freedom no suppression can ever offer."

Arora recognises that his position as a business owner in Delhi's affluent GK2 area grants him certain privileges that come with responsibilities. Rather than exploiting this demographic for profit, he chooses genuine advocacy. "I haven't commercialised the cause yet. It's something that I am creating," he states, distinguishing his approach from businesses that might co-opt LGBTQIA+ imagery for marketing purposes.

The cafe's newsletter captures this philosophy beautifully: "Love is love. Always has been. Always will be. And it is time we honour it, celebrate it, and protect it in all its beautiful, sacred forms." This isn't seasonal solidarity limited to Pride Month but a year-round commitment to creating spaces where love—in all its forms—can flourish without fear or shame.

In an increasingly polarised world, Milkind represents something both revolutionary and fundamentally simple: a business that believes commerce and conscience can coexist, where profit doesn't preclude principles, and where the simple act of serving coffee becomes a statement about the kind of society we want to build. As Arora concludes, "The future changes one step at a time. So we're trying to do this one coffee at a time."