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“It feels good to be a part of the community, helping out in some type of way.”ĭiongelo Smith, a recently hired chef at the bar, said food will always bring individuals closer, whether or not they are a part of the LGBT community, and he said Union Cafe welcomes patrons from all walks of life. “I think it is important to have these kinds of places because LGBTQ people need a place to go,” Huck said. Tristan Huck, a bartender for Union Cafe, said his work at the bar has allowed him to understand the significance the establishment holds for the LGBT population in Columbus. “Union Cafe has had a massive impact, not just in the state of Ohio, but it is known as a friendly safe haven in that if charities need funding, we will be there for you.” “Me and my partners learned to always give back to charity, buy your land and be as much an activist as you are a businessman,” Lahoti said. Union Cafe has made contributions to anti-bullying charities, distributed scholarships and raised over $1.5 million through the cafe and Lahoti’s other venues to distribute to an array of local charities, he said. He said he decided early-on that he wanted to make an impact through activism. Lahoti said persistent discrimination throughout society has always motivated him to create change through his organization. “One of my hairdressers, who was my roommate and a great drag queen, used to shoot pool at the Old Union, and she introduced me to the manager, and one thing led to another and I ended up opening Union Cafe on a total whim.” “If I am going to work that many hours, I want it to be for me,” Lahoti said. Lahoti said he opened Union Cafe spontaneously with some help from a friend after he decided to redirect his long work weeks. I would’ve had to go pick up a golf club and walk a golf course to get where I wanted.” 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.
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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.