A Mother's Love: The Journey of Srija and Valli Towards Trans Rights in India

Srija became the first transgender woman in Tamil Nadu to legally marry, thanks to the unwavering support of her mother, Valli. Their inspiring story is captured in the documentary "Amma's Pride," showcasing the fight against discrimination and the importance of family acceptance in the transgender community.

In 2019, Srija etched her name in history by becoming the first transgender woman to legally marry in Tamil Nadu, India, following a significant ruling that recognized her relationship. A new documentary titled "Amma's Pride" sheds light on her journey towards obtaining legal acknowledgment of her marriage and the steadfast support from her mother, Valli.

"Srija is a gift," Valli, 45, tells the BBC. The heartfelt bond between mother and daughter is evident as they share their experiences for the first time in this film. "Not all trans people have what I have," reflects Srija, 25, from Thoothukudi, emphasizing the foundational role Valli played in her achievements, which include education and employment, made possible largely because of her mother’s unwavering backing.

Their story began when Srija met Arun, her future husband, in a temple in 2017. Sharing a deep connection, they quickly fell in love and aspired to seek legal recognition for their marriage, hoping for the same societal integration that other couples enjoy. "We want all the protections that come from a legal recognition of marriage," Srija states.

While the Indian Supreme Court granted certain rights to transgender individuals in 2014, marriage rights remained limited. Efforts to register their wedding faced initial setbacks when a registrar claimed the traditional definition of marriage excluded Srija due to her identity. Nevertheless, with resolute support from the LGBTQ+ community, Srija and Arun petitioned for their rights, culminating in a historic ruling from the Madras High Court in 2019 that recognized transgender individuals in marriage roles.

Despite the groundbreaking legal progress, Srija and Arun faced backlash. Arun, who worked in the transport sector, lost his job following media attention on their marriage, subjected to discrimination as online trolls hurled verbal abuse for his relationship with a transgender woman.

Throughout these challenges, Srija excelled academically, eventually graduating with a degree in English literature, a remarkable feat for someone in her family. Valli, who became a single parent after losing her husband, sacrificed much to support Srija's transition, including selling her jewelry for the necessary expenses.

Srija advocates for change, hoping her story will challenge prevalent stereotypes about transgender individuals. "This documentary shows that we can be leaders," she insists. Following the documentary's premiere, screenings and workshops aim to connect transgender individuals with their families and communities, especially in rural areas.

As Srija and Arun move forward in their lives, they hold onto the dream of starting a family, with Srija dreaming of becoming a grandmother soon. Valli, too, smiles at the possibility of seeing a new generation. Their journey highlights the importance of family support in the battle against stigma and the pursuit of equality for the transgender community in India.