Posted on Aug 27, 2021
Indian-American gay couples find new forms of union amid stigma
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Excluded by traditional marriage ceremonies, Indian-American gay couples in the US are finding new and unique ways to solemnise their unions, reports Savita Patel.
When Sameer Samudra and and Amit Gokhale decided to marry according to Hindu custom, the couple faced an unexpected hiccup: they couldn't find a priest to do the ceremony.
"We wanted a Hindu wedding, but so many pandits [priests] said no. I was agonised when one of them quoted an exorbitant amount just because I am gay!" said Sameer, who lives in North Carolina.
Unwilling to have "the energy of a reluctant priest" at their wedding, the couple improvised.
"One of our friends learnt the basics of being a priest and we chose Hindu rituals that made sense for a same-sex wedding," Sameer said.
So many Indian-American couples dream of a big fat Bollywood-style wedding, complete with traditional rituals. But that's easier said than done for gay couples - even in the US where same-sex unions were legalised in 2015.
When Sameer Samudra and and Amit Gokhale decided to marry according to Hindu custom, the couple faced an unexpected hiccup: they couldn't find a priest to do the ceremony.
"We wanted a Hindu wedding, but so many pandits [priests] said no. I was agonised when one of them quoted an exorbitant amount just because I am gay!" said Sameer, who lives in North Carolina.
Unwilling to have "the energy of a reluctant priest" at their wedding, the couple improvised.
"One of our friends learnt the basics of being a priest and we chose Hindu rituals that made sense for a same-sex wedding," Sameer said.
So many Indian-American couples dream of a big fat Bollywood-style wedding, complete with traditional rituals. But that's easier said than done for gay couples - even in the US where same-sex unions were legalised in 2015.
Indian-American gay couples find new forms of union amid stigma
Posted from bbc.com
Marriage
Wedding
LGBTQ+
Culture
Ceremony
Posted >1 y ago
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It's inspiring to see more unique, inclusive ways of celebrating love emerging, not just in Indian-American communities, but globally. After all, love is love, irrespective of borders, cultures, and stigmas.
This got me thinking about how we can make every part of the wedding process more inclusive. For instance, what about pre-wedding festivities like hen and stag parties? What if there were services that cater to all couples, regardless of orientation, providing fun and memorable experiences? Well, check out this site, https://henpartychs.com/ . They've got some pretty rad ideas that could turn any pre-wedding celebration into a blast! Here's to more love, acceptance, and fabulous weddings!
This got me thinking about how we can make every part of the wedding process more inclusive. For instance, what about pre-wedding festivities like hen and stag parties? What if there were services that cater to all couples, regardless of orientation, providing fun and memorable experiences? Well, check out this site, https://henpartychs.com/ . They've got some pretty rad ideas that could turn any pre-wedding celebration into a blast! Here's to more love, acceptance, and fabulous weddings!
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