Hyderabad
D'Kommunitee Living Spaces has come up with the concept of having a separate co-living space for the LGBTQ+ community that is an affordable, livable space by renting out private rooms or an entire flat. However, those living here will have to share common spaces like a kitchen ad a common get-together area.
D'Kommunitee Living Spaces was co-founded by Murari Kumar Raja, Ankith Narayan, and Pratap James. Pratap James, a queer man himself, says they wanted to create an atmosphere where one is welcome and can be what they want to be... free from pre-conceived notions. He adds that he has seen members of the LGBTQ+ community face discrimination while hunting for a house or even flatly being denied accommodation. So, the firm wants to ensure that every person, especially same-sex and transgenders, have a place where they can feel safe and totally at ease.
D'Kommunitee Living Spaces is supposedly India's first co-living space meant for the LGBTQ+ community. James reiterates that for him, the space is not just a product but an initiative to increase awareness and ensure inclusivity. He says they want to say that "we can live together and we can live harmoniously."They intend to rent out private rooms or an entire flat but with shared common spaces like a kitchen and a common get-together area. The rooms will be given to single persons and those with partners. Furnished rooms with cleaning services and community events are the big draw here.
For now, the company plans to lease out a five-storey building at Ayyappa Society in Hyderabad that can accommodate up to 150 people. The charges for stay range between Rs 10,000 and Rs 20,000 per month. The rooms can be booked through the company's website or app.
However, the founders are clear that their business model is based on long-stay options. So the guests are expected to stay at least for three months and up to 1 year. While the inmates can come and go as they wish, there will be some rules in place.
For now, the founders have put in their money, but they hope to raise capital to scale up the project. If Hyderabad's plan turns successful, then they intend to move to Bangalore and other cities.