Family Dynamics, Mental Health, and Pathways to Inclusive & Sustainable Entrepreneurship among LGBTQ+ Youth in India

Purpose: to investigate how LGBTQ+ youngsters' involvement in inclusive and sustainable business in India is influenced by family dynamics and psychological health. The study highlights implications for social innovation, policy, and governance by establishing a connection between home surroundings and entrepreneurial intention/behavior, access to entrepreneurial ecosystems, and usage of digital platforms for revenue generation. Methodology: Five comprehensive case studies of LGBTQ+ youth were used in this qualitative multiple-case approach. A codebook that recorded (i) family acceptance/rejection and coping, (ii) resilience and mental health, (iii) entrepreneurial intention and self-efficacy, (iv) digital transformation in livelihood strategies (e.g., content creation, freelancing), and (v) ecosystem touchpoints (NGOs, incubators, finance, workplace policies) was used to thematically analyze the interviews. Findings: Long-term participation in micro- and digital entrepreneurship, improved mental health, and increased entrepreneurial confidence are all linked to supportive families, sometimes known as "chosen families." Higher levels of anxiety and disengagement from opportunity pipelines are associated with conservative or forceful family relations. Greater visibility and NGO/intermediary assistance are provided by urban ecosystems; yet, there are still enduring shortages in supplier access, inclusive funding, and mental health services within incubators and workplaces. When there are resources available, young people use their abilities to launch social-innovation projects and demonstrate early stages of sustainable or circular endeavors (e.g., repair, resale, eco-focused services). Practical implications: Ecosystem players could increase supplier diversity and inclusive procurement, implement impact-oriented microfinance and investment aimed at LGBTQ+-led businesses, and integrate anti-discrimination and mental health services into incubators. Local ecosystems can be strengthened by policymakers through inclusive credit structures, targeted grants, and legal safeguards. To increase market access, corporations should connect ethics and governance with DEI principles. Universities and non-governmental organizations can offer training in digital skills and entrepreneurship related to climate and cyclical opportunity areas. Originality/Value: The study combines research on families and mental health with inclusive/sustainable entrepreneurship. It provides a case-based model that shows how family acceptance leads to psychological well-being, which in turn leads to entrepreneurial self-efficacy and participation, with ecosystem supports and digital affordances acting as moderators. In an Indian setting, it offers practical levers for practice and policy.