Madhuri Sarode has made quite a statement about acceptance and love by simply getting married. Her marriage, after all, is the first open transgender wedding in India.
Madhuri Sarode has made quite a statement about acceptance and love by simply getting married. Her marriage, after all, is the first open transgender wedding in India.
The LGBTQ activist met her husband Jay Kumar Sharma and they soon realised that they enjoy each other’s company. Marriage felt like the most organic step once they affirmed their love for each other.
Speaking to Times Of India, she said, “We have been together for five years. Our marriage should be accepted legally, but it is a difficult process. But if we can get a separate identity, we should also be allowed to get married.”
Photo source: Wikimedia
Madhuri referred to the Supreme Court judgement passed in 2014, which recognises transgenders as the “third gender”. But the transgender community in India still cannot legally marry anybody in the country. And that’s something Madhuri wishes to rectify.
She says, “I want the marriage certificate to be given to me as a transgender. I’m willing to fight for it, and even go to court if I have to.”
The couple followed Hindu wedding customs and the ceremony was attended by friends and family. Jay’s sister and his brother-in-law flew in from Dubai to attend the nuptials.
Madhuri will continue fighting for recognition and betterment of transgender people across the country. She said, “We live in India and it’s really difficult to pull Section 377 out of the books. Personally, I haven’t faced any issues but I want to fight for myself and other Madhuris in India.”
Here’s hoping she does, happily ever after.
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