A Mother's Love: Srija's Journey to Acceptance and Marriage in Tamil Nadu

Sat Oct 18 2025 16:34:32 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A groundbreaking documentary, "Amma's Pride," reveals the inspiring story of Srija, the first transgender woman to legally marry in Tamil Nadu, highlighting the unwavering support of her mother, Valli.

Srija became Tamil Nadu's first legally married transgender woman in 2019, thanks to a pivotal court ruling and the steadfast support of her mother, Valli. The documentary "Amma's Pride" showcases their journey through societal challenges, emphasizing the importance of family acceptance and challenging stereotypes surrounding transgender narratives.

In 2019, Srija made history as the first transgender woman to legally marry in Tamil Nadu following a significant court ruling. Her remarkable journey is depicted in the documentary "Amma's Pride," which portrays the intense battle for state recognition of her marriage and the unwavering support from her mother, Valli.

"Valli, 45, recalls, 'Srija is a gift,' while sharing an emotional moment with her daughter. Srija, 25, reflects, 'Not all trans people have the support I have.' The duo discusses their experiences, emphasizing how Valli's backing has enabled Srija to overcome obstacles like education and employment."

They first met in 2017 when Srija began her transition. Conversations blossomed between her and her future husband, Arun Kumar, leading to love and the desire for legal recognition of their union. Srija expressed, "We want a normal life like every other couple," emphasizing the need for legal assurances.

In 2014, the Indian Supreme Court granted legal protections to transgender people, yet same-sex marriage remains unrecognized. Despite unknown records of other trans marriages, Srija and Arun made waves when their marriage registration was initially denied based on outdated definitions of marriage. With activist support, they fought back, leading to a ruling recognizing transgender individuals as "brides" or "grooms."

However, their fight attracted both support and backlash. After media coverage, Arun faced job loss and online harassment due to transphobia, which temporarily strained their relationship. Nevertheless, Srija excelled academically, becoming a pioneer in her family by pursuing higher education, a passion that Valli supported despite her modest means.

Despite the prevalent stigma against about two million transgender individuals in India, Srija and Valli continue to advocate for acceptance. The documentary aims to redefine representations of transgender stories in media. Srija stated, "When people see new kinds of stories on trans people, hopefully their mindsets will also change."

"Following its premiere at international film festivals, 'Amma's Pride' aims to inspire connections for trans individuals and their families through screenings and discussions. The couple is now both managers in private firms and hopes to embrace parenthood soon. Valli joyfully adds, 'I would like to become a grandmother soon.'"