As India’s Supreme Court delves into the case for legalizing same-sex marriage, a ripple effect is being felt in the LGBTQ+ wedding industry. Matchmakers like Kamakshi Madan, renowned for connecting LGBTQ+ individuals with compatible partners, have experienced a significant increase in enquiries from parents seeking spouses for their same-sex children. This newfound interest in matchmaking stems from the possibility that same-sex couples may soon be allowed to marry, a milestone that could have a profound impact on India’s vibrant wedding culture.
India’s wedding industry is already a colossal affair, with families often investing substantial sums, sometimes equivalent to tens of thousands of dollars, in lavish ceremonies lasting multiple days. According to loan provider Reliance Money, Indians spend approximately one-fifth of their lifetime wealth on weddings, contributing to a trillion-rupee ($12 billion) industry. While some same-sex couples have privately exchanged vows since the decriminalization of homosexuality in 2018, such ceremonies remain unrecognised.
If the Supreme Court legalizes gay marriage in the coming months, India will join the ranks of Taiwan and Nepal as the third Asian nation to embrace marriage equality. However, the government has expressed opposition to recognizing same-sex marriage, urging the court to reject challenges from LGBTQ+ couples. The anticipated ruling, expected this year, carries immense significance for LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies, though an official date has yet to be announced.
Public opinion in India is gradually evolving, as highlighted by a June report from the Pew Research Center, which found that 53% of Indian adults believe same-sex marriage should be legal. This figure represents a considerable increase from previous years, with support for marriage equality rising from 29% in 2015 to 44% in 2021, according to Ipsos polls. Kamakshi Madan, known affectionately as “the LGBTQ+ Sima aunty” in reference to the popular Netflix show “Indian Matchmaking,” has witnessed firsthand the growing acceptance among parents and families.
The prospect of legal recognition for same-sex unions also carries significant cultural implications. Saurabh Bondre, a Sanskrit scholar who conducts non-legally binding traditional Hindu weddings for gay and lesbian couples, emphasizes that legalizing same-sex marriage would alleviate concerns among priests regarding potential legal disputes or boycotts. While many Hindu priests are not opposed to performing such weddings, they fear backlash from within their own community, which could jeopardize their livelihoods and future invitations to officiate straight weddings.
For same-sex couples in India, the desire for traditional religious marriage ceremonies is paramount, aligning with cultural norms and family expectations. Sameer Sreejesh, founder of the LGBTQ+ matrimony app Umeed, notes that the Supreme Court case has prompted a surge in LGBTQ+ individuals openly embracing their sexual identities and actively seeking life partners. Since the court hearings began, Umeed has experienced a doubling of daily downloads, with over a hundred new members joining each day. Although the app currently generates a modest profit, Sreejesh anticipates exponential growth should the verdictfavor marriage equality, as there are millions of people eagerly waiting for the ruling.
The potential legalization of same-sex marriage in India holds profound implications for the LGBTQ+ community and the wedding industry at large. It not only paves the way for couples to have their unions recognized officially but also instills a sense of acceptance and inclusivity within society. As the Supreme Court deliberates on this crucial matter, the outcome will shape the trajectory of LGBTQ+ rights and set a precedent for equality.