A cafe in mumbai run by transgenders feat. Bambai Nazariya


The LGBT community has come a long way in the past few years. It used to be taboo to be part of the community, but today the situation is different. The community is fighting for their rights and it is becoming more accepted.
Today in Asianopedia People, we had a conversation with the owners of Bambai Nazaiya. We explored their journey as cafe owners and also their background. Bambai Nazaria is a cafe in mumbai. It is located in the Andheri area. Diego Miranda(he/him) & Glenice D'Sa(she/her) are the owners of Bambai Nazariya. Diego has studied Hospitality Management Studies at Rizvi. Glenice is an Engineering graduate from Fr Agnel Bandra.
 

Bambai Nazariya

Bambai Nazariya is a completely self-funded project. From working at a self-owned small street burger kiosks across Mumbai to working traditional 9 to 5s. They have put in everything saved over the years. We work hard, play hard, and save up so that one day, we can pursue our passion full time. We want to share our experiences, help others, and most importantly, have a good time. This cafe is completely run by transgender.

Idea behind 'Bambai Nazaiya

Diego tells that his father always told him to do something for transgenders. In Asia, especially in India and Pakistan, the transgender community does not seem as respected persons. They also do not get their basic human rights. Diego and his father started this cafe. This cafe is an initiative to maintain a peaceful community for transgenders. They decided to recruit only transgenders. So that the perception of transgender will change one day. This will also help to support transgenders financially. Bambai Nazariya is a vision delivered as "A Heaven for the community".

Why named it Bambai Nazariya?

Diego's father was from Bombay which is called "Bambai" in the Hindi language. The old residents of India still call Mumbai "Bombay" a connected emotion of life. His father named this cafe Bambai to add some emotional connection to old Mumbai. Nazariya means perception. He wanted to deliver his message to change the perspective of viewing things.


What's Especial in Bambai Nazariya Cafe?


The special thing about this cafe is the space and location. The management is set for transgenders. They can explore more opportunities in Hospitality Industry. They also got to learn skills. From management, customer serving, cuisine preparation, and catering. These are all skills they can adopt and also support themselves by doing the job. The interior and colors of the cafe resonate with the openness. Everyone can voice out their thought here. There is no barrier to the creativity of thoughts here. They serve Mumbai's famous dishes. Pav Bhajji, Misal Pav, a Curated variety of tea, and the special one, the Pink Tea which is also known as Kashmiri Chai.

Challenges for Transgenders

We often take our homes and our cities for granted. They are supposed to be a safe space. The place where we can go to escape the pressures of the world. To be able to be ourselves and do what we want without judgment. But for many of us, that isn’t the case. We often feel like we don’t belong in the place we are supposed to feel the safest, at home. Many times, transgender individuals are not accepted in the place. Where you are supposed to feel the safest, at home. Not everyone gets to complete their education or even have a space to call their own. Even, though it is difficult under these circumstances to think about building a self-owned business. Let alone the societal acceptance level which is not always willing to give them that opportunity.

Message from Bambai Nazariya

"As we say, 'Nazariya Badlo, Nazaara Badlega"
What is needed are more inclusive spaces for people to feel comfortable. In their self-expression, whatever that form of expression. One would be surprised by the ripple effect that comes about just by extending a helping hand. We do see a spark of change, in Nazariya, in Nazaara.

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