In India, where LGBTQ+ rights have seen progress but challenges persist, some courageous individuals are fighting for the legal right to marry as a means of escaping the brutality inflicted upon them by their own families. Among them is Manoj, who identified as a trans man, and his girlfriend Rashmi. Manoj’s revelation to his family about his gender identity and his love for Rashmi led to severe violence, with his parents threatening his life. Forced into a marriage with an older man, Manoj faced despair until Rashmi stood by him. Now, they are among those eagerly awaiting the Supreme Court’s verdict on their petition for the right to marry.
Despite the decriminalization of gay sex in India in 2018, same-sex marriages remain unrecognized. The Supreme Court has heard 21 petitions this year, advocating for the legalization of such marriages. Manoj and Rashmi’s petition, jointly filed with two other couples and four LGBTQ+ feminist activists, emphasizes that legal recognition of their relationships could be their path to freedom from the cruel physical and mental abuse inflicted by their families. It’s not just about equality, but a way to redefine the concept of “family” for those who have suffered at its hands.
India’s transgender community faces complex challenges, including violence from families. While laws and society usually perceive the family as a safe space, familial violence is often ignored to protect this institution. A report titled “Apno ka bahut lagta hai” (Our own hurt us the most) sheds light on this issue, recommending the right for LGBTQ+ individuals to choose their own family. For Manoj and Rashmi, their journey to safety involved seeking help from a feminist resource group and local police. Support systems for escaping violent families and building new lives are scarce, but organizations like Sappho for Equality are working to provide temporary shelter and assistance to runaway couples.
Beyond facing social stigma and threats of violence at home, many transgender individuals in India struggle to find stable employment and receive education. Advocates stress that legal recognition of same-sex marriages could help address these challenges and provide couples with a sense of security. As the Supreme Court’s ruling looms, Asif and his girlfriend Samina, who fled their families multiple times, hope for a better future. They emphasize that a marriage certificate would act as a deterrent against their families and community, providing a safeguard against separation and fear of persecution.
The fight for LGBTQ+ rights in India is far from over, but with each petition and courageous story shared, progress is being made. For Manoj, Rashmi, Asif, Samina, and countless others, the Supreme Court’s decision could be the turning point they have been seeking, paving the way for a more inclusive and compassionate society. As the country grapples with deeply rooted prejudices, the outcome of this verdict could set a precedent for greater acceptance and understanding of diverse identities and relationships.
Names of petitioners have been changed to protect their identities.