God’s own country sees interfaith, transgender couple wed
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The bride in a red silk sari and the groom in a shiny brown suit occupied centre stage as attendees vied for a chance to click a photograph with them. Pomp and glitter marked the state’s first registered transgender marriage in the capital on Thursday.
Ishaan (34), a marketing professional and Surya (31), an activist and television anchor, registered their marriage under the Special Marriage Act. The couple announced their decision to marry two months ago on social media. The wedding was a joyful occasion for the members of the transgender community who came from different parts of the state. The mayor VP Prasanth, former Member of Parliament TN Seema, actor Bhagyalakshmi, and academician and activist J Devika were also present to bless the newly-weds.
“It is just the beginning. We will be a role model for others. We will show the world transgender people can also lead a decent life like others. Society’s attitude is slowly changing,” said bride Surya after the wedding. Both underwent gender reaffirmation surgeries some years ago — Ishaan, who was assigned gender female at birth, underwent a surgery in 2015 to affirm his identity as a man, while Surya, who was assigned gender male at birth, underwent a surgery in 2014 to affirm her identity as a woman.
People who experience gender dysphoria — extreme discomfort with the gender assigned at birth — often do not find support within families. Surya, who hails from a middle class family, was forced to leave her home after her surgery. Ishaan hails from an orthodox Muslim family. However, both their families eventually came around.
The duo met two years ago while working for Oasis Cultural Society, a collective of transgender persons in Thiruvananthapuram. Both are members of the governmentappointed transgender justice board. “Some years ago we couldn’t have imagined such a function in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram. Things are slowly changing and we have started getting some acceptance in the society,” said P Rani, a transgender activist from Kozhikode.
Kerala formulated a state policy for transgender persons in 2015, with an aim to mainstream the community.
The government also conducted a study last year among 918 transgender persons to understand their needs better. However, activists say that the officials still need to be sensitized.