Srija's Journey

Srija, 25, from the port city of Thoothukudi, met her future husband, Arun, at a temple in 2017. After learning they shared mutual friends, they soon began texting each other regularly. She was already out as transgender and had begun her transition.

Within months, they fell in love and decided they wanted to spend their lives together. However, their attempt to register their 2018 wedding was rejected, with the registrar arguing that the 1955 Hindu Marriage Act defined marriage as a union between a 'bride' and a 'groom', which therefore excluded trans women.

The couple, backed by LGBT activists, pushed back, taking their relationship into the public domain. The effort was worth it, as they received global attention in 2019 when the Madras High Court in Chennai upheld their right to marry, stating that transgender people should be recognised as either a 'bride' or 'groom' as defined by the 1955 Hindu Marriage Act.

Support from Family

Srija's mother, Valli, 45, has been a constant source of support for her daughter. Valli, who became a single parent when her husband died when Srija was just six, works in a kitchen at a school. Despite earning a modest income, she helped pay for her daughter's gender reassignment, in part by selling some of her jewellery, and cared for her afterwards.

'I will always stand by my daughter,' says Valli. 'All trans people should be supported by their family.' Srija's story is unique, and her mother's support has been instrumental in her success.

Challenges and Future Plans

Despite the positive ruling, Srija and Arun faced negative scrutiny, including online trolling and job loss. However, they remain hopeful for a normal future and plan to adopt a child soon. Srija excelled at her education, frequently coming first in class at high school, and went on to complete a degree in English literature from a university in Tamil Nadu.

The documentary 'Amma's Pride' aims to challenge stereotypes about trans people and promote acceptance. Srija hopes that the film will help change people's mindsets and show that trans individuals can be leaders and productive members of society.

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