Pride Month: Story Of India's 1st Documented Lesbian Marriage In 1987

In 1987, Urmila Srivastava and Leela Namdeo, two policewomen from the Madhya Pradesh police force, made history by becoming the first documented same-sex couple to marry in India. Their union, conducted through a Gandharva ritual—a traditional Hindu ceremony—saw them garland each other in the presence of a few close friends and family members. This small yet significant ceremony marked a pivotal moment in the history of LGBTQIA+ rights in India.

The marriage of Urmila and Leela did not remain a private affair for long. On February 24, 1988, their wedding photos were splashed across the front pages under the sensational headline "Lesbian Cops." This exposure came after a fellow cadet showed their wedding photos to a supervising officer, who then initiated severe actions against the couple. Urmila and Leela faced harassment, threats, and torture, ultimately leading to their dismissal from the police force.

Catalysts Of Change for the LGBTQIA+ Movement

Despite the severe backlash, Urmila and Leela's bravery ignited a spark within the LGBTQIA+ community in India. Their marriage became a rallying point for activists fighting for LGBTQIA+ rights, highlighting the struggles and discrimination faced by same-sex couples. However, outside the movement, many skeptics dismissed their union, attributing their relationship to the influence of Western culture, a notion that further marginalized and stigmatised them.

The Court Battle and Misconceptions

Urmila and Leela did not identify with the term "lesbian," a label that was thrust upon them by the media and society. Their primary concern following their dismissal was the threat to their future incomes and livelihoods. Consequently, they took their case to court, seeking justice and reinstatement. Their story is often misunderstood and misrepresented.

At the heart of Urmila and Leela's story was a simple desire to be together. Marriage, to them, was the natural progression of their commitment and love. Their hopeful tale, filled with both condemnation and support, is a testament to their courage and the evolving understanding of same-sex relationships in India.

Legacy and Continued Relevance

The experiences of Urmila and Leela have been meticulously documented and analyzed in Maya Sharma's book "Loving Women." Their story remains a crucial chapter in the ongoing fight for LGBTQIA+ rights in India, serving as a reminder of the personal and collective struggles faced by same-sex couples. Their union, despite the adversities, continues to inspire the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies in the pursuit of equality and acceptance.