A Mother's Love: Srija's Journey to Legal Marriage as a Trans Woman in India

In a groundbreaking moment for transgender rights, Srija became the first transgender woman in Tamil Nadu to legally marry following a historic court ruling. Her documentary, Amma's Pride, highlights the unwavering support from her mother, Valli, as they navigate societal challenges and redefine norms for LGBTQ+ couples in India.

In 2019, Srija made history as the first transgender woman to legally marry in Tamil Nadu, India, a landmark event that followed a pivotal court ruling. The new documentary, Amma's Pride, captures Srija’s inspiring journey towards gaining state recognition for her marriage and celebrates the unfaltering support from her mother, Valli.

"I consider Srija a gift," Valli, 45, expressed during an interview with the BBC. In the documentary, both mother and daughter share their journey together for the first time. Srija, 25, from Thoothukudi, acknowledges her mother’s crucial role: "Everything I've achieved—my education, job, and marriage—was possible because of her support."

The couple's love story began when Srija and Arun met at a temple in 2017; as they bonded over shared friends, their relationship blossomed. When they sought legal recognition for their union, they made it clear their desire was to live like any other couple, enjoying the rights afforded by marriage.

In a groundbreaking 2014 ruling, the Indian Supreme Court granted transgender people equal rights, but same-sex marriages remain unrecognized. The precise number of transgender couples who have married in India is uncertain, though some activists believe there were earlier undocumented cases.

Despite the challenges, Srija and Arun received widespread attention in 2019 when their marriage was legally upheld. This decision was significant for the LGBTQ+ community in India, granting marital recognition to transgender individuals as defined by existing marriage laws. However, the newfound visibility came with its own set of challenges, including Arun losing his job due to backlash from their marriage announcement.

Srija excelled academically despite these pressures, obtaining a degree in English literature, a remarkable feat considering her mother had to leave school at 14. Valli, a single parent and school kitchen worker, even sold her jewellery to assist with Srija's gender reassignment surgery, reflecting her commitment and support.

India is home to approximately two million transgender individuals, but stigma and discrimination persist, leading to high rates of abuse and limited economic opportunities. Filmmaker Shiva Krish noted that many trans people lack familial support, making Srija and Valli's story particularly unique.

The documentary aims to challenge stereotypes surrounding transgender individuals, steering the narrative away from trauma toward aspiration and agency. Srija expressed hope that by showcasing positive stories and accomplishments, society's views may evolve.

After premiering at international festivals, Amma's Pride was screened in Chennai for the LGBT community, alongside workshops aimed at fostering conversations about family support for trans individuals. The production team plans to extend these workshops to rural communities in India and neighboring countries.

Looking to the future, Srija and Arun envision a normal life filled with family, hoping to adopt a child soon. With her mother’s unwavering support by her side, Valli shares a heartfelt wish: "I’d like to become a grandmother soon."