People participate in a Pride March organised by Qutcast, NHRDN Mist Foundation and other organisations at JM road on Sunday in Pune. Express Photo By Pavan Khengre
On May 20, when US Ambassador Eric Garcetti visited Pune, one of his stops was in Lohegaon, where he visited the office of MIST LGBTQ Foundation, an organisation working with US Agency for International Development (USAID) for more than three years.
Working in the fields of inclusive access to comprehensive health services for the LGBTQI+ community, Mist recently completed 13 years in Pune and organized the second Pune Pride March along with other groups on Sunday.
Asked about their decision to support MIST, the US Embassy in an email said USAID has supported the foundation to develop two social enterprises, Queer Bazaar and Stories Café.
“USAID provides technical support to diversify revenue models and ensure long-term sustainability for the organization and its vital services. This partnership underscores USAID’s commitment to inclusive development and human rights for all LGBTQI+ individuals, recognizing that every diverse identity contributes to societal transformation,” the email read.
Stories Café, one of the initiatives of Mist, the email said allowed people to gather to engage in crucial conversations about issues such as health access, mental health, allyship and others.
“As their business has grown, the Mist Foundation has been able to expand the services it offers to the community, including working with a private health insurance company to design and launch health insurance for the transgender community. Owned and operated by members of the community, it stands as a sustainable model of entrepreneurship and empowerment. As a result, LGBTQI+ individuals have opportunities for economic growth and livelihood improvements, while also fostering healthier and more inclusive communities,” the email read.
Shyam Konnur, founder director of Mist, said the visit by the Ambassador was significant for them as it validated the work they have been doing. “The visit showed us the work we are doing is in the right path,” he said.
