India’s First Documented Lesbian Marriage in 1987

In 1987, Urmila Srivastava and Leela Namdeo, both policewomen from Madhya Pradesh, made history by becoming India’s first documented same-sex couple to marry. Their union, celebrated through a traditional Hindu Gandharva ritual, where they exchanged garlands in the presence of close friends and family, marked a significant milestone for LGBTQIA+ rights in India.

The news of their marriage made headlines on February 24, 1988, under the sensational title “Lesbian Cops.” Initially shared among colleagues, their wedding photos triggered a chain of events that led to severe consequences. Urmila and Leela faced harassment, threats, and were eventually dismissed from their jobs in the police force.

Despite the adversity, their bravery sparked a wave of support within the LGBTQIA+ community across India. Their marriage became a rallying point for activists advocating for same-sex rights, highlighting the discrimination faced by couples like them. However, societal attitudes often reduced their relationship to Western influence, further marginalizing their experience.

Urmila and Leela rejected societal labels and focused on their love and commitment to each other. They did not identify solely as “lesbian” and instead sought justice through the courts to restore their livelihoods post-dismissal. Their story challenges misconceptions about same-sex relationships in India, emphasizing their desire for recognition and respect.

Their journey, documented in Maya Sharma’s book “Loving Women,” remains a crucial testament to India’s LGBTQIA+ history. Their resilience continues to inspire efforts towards equality and acceptance, underscoring the ongoing struggle against discrimination faced by same-sex couples.

Re-reported from the article originally published in She the People.