Importance Score: 75 / 100 🔴
In a landmark moment for LGBTQ+ rights in India, Srija made history in 2019 by becoming the first transgender woman to legally wed in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, following a progressive court decision. A poignant new documentary, “Amma’s Pride,” now depicts Srija’s arduous journey towards achieving official recognition for her marriage and showcases the steadfast dedication of her mother, Valli. This film highlights the importance of family acceptance in the transgender community and the ongoing fight for equal rights in India.
“Srija is a treasure,” expresses Valli, 45, to the news outlet as she embraces her daughter with affection.
“I am aware that not every transgender individual experiences the support system I have,” adds Srija, 25, a resident of the coastal city of Thoothukudi.
“My education, my career, my marriage – every accomplishment is directly attributable to my mother’s unwavering support.”
She and her mother are sharing their compelling narrative for the first time in “Amma’s Pride” (Mother’s Pride), a documentary that intimately portrays Srija’s unique and inspiring story.
Unwavering Maternal Support: ‘I Will Always Advocate for My Daughter’
Srija’s path to matrimony began when she encountered her future husband, Arun, at a temple in 2017. Discovering mutual acquaintances, they quickly established a regular exchange of messages. At this point, Srija had already openly identified as transgender and commenced her transition.
“We engaged in extensive conversations. She confided in me about her lived realities as a trans woman,” Arun recounted.
Within a few months, their bond deepened into love, and they made the resolute decision to commit their lives to one another.
“Our desire for legal validation stemmed from our aspiration for a conventional life akin to any other married couple,” Srija explained. “We seek all the safeguards and entitlements afforded by the legal recognition of marriage.”
These protections encompass vital securities such as the smooth transfer of assets or property in the event of spousal bereavement.
The Indian Supreme Court, in 2014, enacted specific safeguards for transgender individuals, granting them parity in rights concerning education, employment, healthcare, and marital unions – although same-sex marriage is yet to be legally permitted in India.
The precise number of transgender couples married in India remains unclear, as does the identification of the first such union. Advocates suggest that a legally registered transgender wedding occurred prior to Srija and Arun’s, citing a Bangalore marriage in 2018.
“Undeniably, numerous queer and transgender couples exist throughout India,” states Shiva Krish, director of “Amma’s Pride,” but persistent prejudice compels many to maintain secrecy around their relationships. “Srija, Arun, and Valli stand out for their courageous choice to live authentically and openly.”
Srija and Arun’s initial attempt to formalize their 2018 nuptials encountered rejection. The registrar reasoned that the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955 narrowly defined marriage as a bond between a “bride” and a “groom,” thereby implicitly excluding transgender women.
Undeterred, the couple, bolstered by LGBT rights advocates, challenged this decision, bringing their struggle into public awareness. Their perseverance proved fruitful.
In 2019, they garnered international attention when the Madras High Court in Chennai affirmed their marital rights. The court decreed that transgender individuals must be acknowledged as either “bride” or “groom” within the parameters of the 1955 Hindu Marriage Act.
LGBTQ+ activists hailed this legal victory as a critical stride toward greater inclusion for transgender individuals in India. Srija and Arun became locally celebrated figures for challenging deeply entrenched societal conventions.
However, media attention also brought unwelcome negativity.
“The day following local news reports, I was terminated from my employment,” recounts Arun, formerly employed as a manual laborer in the transportation sector. He attributes his dismissal to transphobic bias.
Online harassment ensued.
“I received hateful communications criticizing my marriage to a transgender woman,” he reveals.
The couple experienced a brief period of separation under the weight of this pressure.
Despite these personal challenges, Srija consistently excelled academically, often achieving top rankings in her high school classes.
She pursued higher education, obtaining a degree in English literature from a Tamil Nadu university, becoming a rare instance of advanced education within her family lineage.
This achievement is a significant source of pride for Valli, who concluded her own formal schooling at the age of 14.
Facing Societal Hostility and Family Steadfastness
Even prior to their legal battles for marital recognition, Srija and her family endured animosity and unjust treatment.
After Srija’s coming out as a transgender woman at 17, she, along with her mother and younger brother, China, faced eviction from their residence by their landlord.
Several relatives severed ties with them.
However, Srija’s mother and brother remained resolute pillars of support.
“I will always champion my daughter,” Valli affirms.
“All transgender individuals deserve familial support.”
Valli, a single parent since her husband’s passing when Srija was six, earns a modest living working in a school cafeteria.
Despite financial constraints, she contributed to her daughter’s gender affirmation surgery, partly by selling personal jewelry, and provided diligent post-operative care.
“She provides exceptional care for me,” Srija acknowledges with gratitude.
Hopes for Societal Evolution: ‘Hopefully Mindsets Will Change’
India, the world’s most populous nation, is estimated to have approximately two million transgender citizens, although advocacy groups suggest the actual figure is higher.
While India has enacted legislation intended to be trans-inclusive and legally recognizes a “third gender,” significant social stigma and discrimination persist.
Research indicates that transgender individuals in India encounter elevated rates of abuse, mental health challenges, and restricted access to crucial resources like education, employment, and medical care. Many are unfortunately relegated to begging or sex work for survival.
On a global scale, the United Nations reports that a substantial number of transgender individuals experience familial rejection.
“Family support remains uncommon for many transgender people in India, and indeed worldwide,” observes filmmaker Shiva Krish.
“Srija and Valli’s story is exceptional in this context.”
Srija voices her hope that the documentary will challenge prevalent stereotypes surrounding transgender individuals and diversify media portrayals, which often overemphasize narratives of trauma and victimization.
“This film demonstrates our potential as leaders and productive contributors to the workforce. I am a manager, actively engaged in professional life,” Srija asserts.
“Exposure to diverse narratives about transgender people, we hope, will contribute to shifting societal attitudes and fostering greater acceptance.”
Looking to the Future: ‘I’d Like to Welcome Grandchildren Soon’
Following its premiere at international film festivals, “Amma’s Pride” was presented at a special screening in Chennai for members of the LGBT community and their allies, coinciding with International Transgender Day of Visibility on Monday, March 31st.
A workshop followed the Chennai screening, facilitating discussions in smaller groups about family acceptance and communal support networks for transgender individuals.
“Our aspiration is that these screening events cultivate connections between transgender individuals, their families, and local communities,” adds Chithra Jeyaram, co-creator of “Amma’s Pride.”
The “Amma’s Pride” production team aims to extend the reach of the documentary and accompanying workshops, recognizing the universal themes of familial support confronting prejudice, to rural audiences and other Indian cities, as well as neighboring nations like Nepal and Bangladesh.
Srija and Arun are presently employed as managers in private sector companies and are looking forward to initiating adoption proceedings. “We are hopeful for a future characterized by normalcy and acceptance,” Srija concludes.
“And I eagerly anticipate becoming a grandmother in the near future,” Valli adds with a warm smile.