Sopaan’s journey was made possible through the Intel-supported initiative empowering LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs with skills and recognition. Pritesh Kamble, Director of Rainbow Roots Foundation, played a key role in developing inclusion and building a resilient community. Along with CYDA, their collective efforts have created pathways for marginalized voices to rise with pride, dignity, and opportunity.
Introduction
Sopaan Baburao lives in Nanded, a city in Maharashtra known for its rich culture and deeply rooted traditional values. He shares his life with his wife, son, and daughter and he is also a proud bisexual man. However, due to societal pressures, he has not always been open about this part of his identity.
Sopaan’s story is not just about building a stationery shop from the ground up; it is also about overcoming layers of social stigma, financial hardship, and personal fear. His journey serves as an inspiration, especially for members of the LGBTQIA+ community who are seeking space, recognition, and respect in deeply patriarchal environments.
Growing up in a conservative society, Sopaan learned early on that people like him were often ignored, judged, or misunderstood. In a world that only acknowledged rigid definitions of “man” and “woman,” there was little room for someone who didn’t fit neatly into those boxes. For Sopaan, hiding his identity became a way to protect both himself and his family.
More than just a business struggle
Starting a business in a semi-urban area like Nanded is quiet challenging – Limited resources, market size and demand, societal barriers, limited financial support and networking challenges. As a bisexual man who has kept his identity private, he lived with silent anxiety.
“Would people still come to my shop if they knew? Would neighbors treat me differently?” – questions Sopaan
Launching his stationery business in 2022, Sopaan quickly ran into financial strain. With minimal savings, he had to reduce household expenses and borrow money from friends to stock essential items such as pens, notebooks, and school registers. Moreover, he lacked formal business training. He made several mistakes—buying products that did not sell pricing items incorrectly, and failing to maintain clear financial records.
A chance encounter with change
Everything began to change when a friend Gajanan mentioned a training camp organized by the Centre for Youth Development and Activities. Although hesitant at first, Sopaan took a leap of faith and attended the Entrepreneurship Development Program—a decision that would redefine his future.
“That training was not just about business—it was about being seen, respected, and uplifted,” he shares.
Skills, Support, and Solidarity
At the CYDA program, Sopaan was introduced to essential entrepreneurial skills including:
- Business planning and budgeting
- Inventory and stock management
- Customer engagement and service
- Strategic thinking for growth
He learnt how to evaluate the market demand, price his products competitively, and manage records to ensure accountability and sustainability. But more importantly, he met mentors and fellow entrepreneurs who accepted him fully, offering not just technical knowledge but also emotional affirmation.
CYDA’s belief in him went beyond training. They provided Sopaan with a financial grant of Rs.10K, which he used to invest directly into his business. With this much-needed boost, he was able to purchase in-demand stock and meet customer expectations more effectively.
Achievements
Today, Sopaan’s stationery shop earns between Rs.30,000/- to Rs.40,000/- per month—a milestone that once seemed out of reach. His shop is well-stocked, neatly organized, and frequented by students, parents, and professionals alike. Customers trust his quality and appreciate his dedication.
“CYDA gave me belief,” Sopaan says with emotion. “They showed me that people like me matter. That we, too, can be successful, respected, and proud of who we are.” His confidence has grown immensely. He now handles stock with precision, engages customers with enthusiasm and looks ahead with ambition. Sopaan is no longer just surviving—he’s thriving.
Visibility and Voice
Sopaan’s journey is about entrepreneurship, identity and courage. He calls for a more inclusive society where members of the LGBTQIA+ community are acknowledged, empowered, and given equal opportunity. To society, I have one message: we from the LGBTQIA+ community are just as capable, just as hardworking, and just as deserving of support and recognition – Admits Sopaan
Sopaan now dreams of mentoring others from marginalized communities who want to start their own ventures. He wants to use his story to inspire change and help dismantle the silent barriers that so many live behind.
“Thank you, CYDA, for not just changing my business, but changing my life.”
