Kerala hosts first trans marriage

Thiruvananthapuram: It was joie de vivre at Mannam Memorial National Club here, the venue of the state’s first-ever wedding of two transsexual persons.  Transgender friends of the bride and groom, Surya and Ishaan K. Shaan, had choreographed dance numbers including a special ‘Oppana’ performance, arranged for a ‘chenda melam’ and a song performance.  Transwomen in bright silk saris and transmen in their Sunday best looked buoyant. But it was the presence of people outside the transgender community which signalled that change was finally here. 

One of them was Sobha Sajan, a lady who had little idea of what a transgender person was until transwoman Sreekutty became her neighbour six months ago. 
She told DC, “They too have wishes. They too have to live. Why should they be excluded?”

Vocalists of a singing group hired for the wedding were as ardent about why transgender persons should be treated with respect.  They did not really know what exactly being a TG person was, and one even mistakenly said it was someone who “converted to the opposite gender”.  However, they understood the idea of the right to self-expression of gender identity, without knowing what NALSA judgment was.

Ishaan’s family, who belongs to the Muslim community, took part in the wedding. Surya’s blood relations were not around, but transgender activist Renju Renjimar, who Surya calls as amma, stayed close to the bride right through.   Surya said it was a momentous event. Ishaan said they both will try to set an example, living their life beautifully. The legal procedures solemnising their wedding are in the process of getting completed. 

“Almost every law in the country needs to be amended so that those recognise the rights of transgender persons as well. The Special Marriage Act is no exception. Since Surya and Ishaan have certificates which show the gender they identify with, they may not have any issues,” said Anil Arjunan, member, State TG Justice Board. The day was bereft of the stiffness of ceremonies. There sure were some regular wedding rituals like exchanging garlands and sharing a glass of milk.