Gurgaon, June 26, 2024 — Kavita Tappu and Anju Sharma’s wedding on April 24 in the city’s Chhoti Panchayat Dharamshala was a celebration of love, acceptance, and tradition. Despite the lack of legal recognition for same-sex marriages in India, the couple, surrounded by their supportive families and 80 guests, embraced their union with all the rituals and customs of a traditional wedding.
A Journey of Love and Acceptance
Kavita, a makeup artist from Fatehabad, and Anju, an actor from Gurgaon, first met in 2020 during a shoot for Anju’s YouTube channel. Their connection was immediate and profound, leading them to start living together soon after. Despite initial confusion, their relationship blossomed, bringing happiness and stability to both their lives.
Anju’s relationship with Kavita grew even stronger during difficult times. After losing her 22-year-old nephew and her mother in 2022, Anju found solace and support in Kavita. “Had I not had Kavita by my side, I would have spiraled into depression,” Anju shared.
Challenges and Triumphs
The wedding, though filled with joy, was not without its challenges. The priest initially assigned to perform the ceremony backed out hours before the event, citing an accident. However, thanks to the intervention of friends, two priests were convinced to preside over the rituals, allowing the ceremony to proceed as planned.
Kavita’s family dynamics were complex. While her mother did not support the relationship, her brother and father stood by her during the wedding. “We have faith that my mother will come around when she sees us happy together,” Kavita said.
Inspiring the LGBTQ+ Community
The couple’s wedding photos, which went viral on social media, have become a beacon of hope for other LGBTQ+ couples. Anju has received numerous inquiries from women seeking advice on how to pursue relationships with partners of their choice. She encourages them to communicate openly with their parents and to patiently seek their approval.
Despite the Supreme Court’s decision last year not to legalize same-sex marriages, Kavita and Anju remain hopeful about their future. Their next step is to start a family. Legal experts have advised that while adopting a child as a couple may not be straightforward, they can adopt individually. “They don’t need to hide their relationship but they don’t even need to mention it. Sexual orientation remains irrelevant when adopting as a single parent,” said Arvind Narrain, founder of Alternative Law Forum.
A Message of Perseverance
Kavita and Anju’s story is a testament to the power of love and perseverance. Despite societal and legal barriers, they have shown that with support and understanding, it is possible to build a happy and fulfilling life together. Their journey continues to inspire and empower other LGBTQ+ couples to speak up and pursue their own paths to happiness.
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