By: Express News ServicePune | October 7, 2025 12:15 AM IST 2 min readThis initiative, part of the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) education programme, aims to improve the skills and competencies of transgender individuals in a safe, inclusive spaceIn a significant step towards fostering inclusion and empowering the transgender community, Deutsche Bank in collaboration with GAURAV, a non-profit Community-Based Organisation (CBO), launched ‘The Trans Cafe’ near City Vista in Kharadi on October 3.This initiative, part of the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) education programme, aims to improve the skills and competencies of transgender individuals in a safe, inclusive space.The cafe will equip transgender individuals with opportunities to develop vocational and leadership skills and provide them with employment. It will also contribute meaningfully to the local economy and offer meals to underserved communities, integrating itself into the city’s social and economic fabric.Story continues below this ad“We are proud to support the launch of ‘The Trans Cafe’ in Pune as part of our continued commitment to helping shape stronger communities,” said Ruchi Khemka, Head – CSR, Deutsche Bank Group, India. “This initiative is a powerful example of how partnerships can drive social change, uplift marginalised communities, and create inclusive opportunities for all. By offering training and employment and engaging in community outreach, ‘The Trans Cafe’ is not just changing lives but also challenging societal norms and creating opportunities for everyone, regardless of their background,” she added.The cafe will also serve as a platform for community outreach, partnering with local businesses and corporate entities to offer curated lunch deals and expand its visibility. These partnerships will help reinforce the cafe’s presence as a vibrant part of the city’s community landscape.“We are proud to extend the success of ‘The Trans Cafe’ model from Mumbai to Pune through this meaningful collaboration with Deutsche Bank,” said Kumar Shetty, President – GAURAV. “The cafe offers not just on-the-job training, but dignity, visibility, and a place in society for transgender people. With Deutsche Bank’s support, we are moving closer to our vision of a more inclusive world where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.”Click here to join Express Pune WhatsApp channel and get a curated list of our stories© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:Deutsche Banktransgenders