UK’s 1st Interfaith Lesbian Wedding Between A Hindu And A Jew Celebrates The Brave Love

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People belonging to the LGBTQIA are still fighting the societal battles across the globe and trying to fight for their rights and for an equal place in the society. Many are winning at it and that’s giving renewed faith and strength to all. Because when love wins, it spreads the cheer and the happiness in every heart. And trust us, nothing melts one’s heart like a love story that has sustained the test of time and risen through norms and battles. Like this lovely couple.

Kalavati Mistry and Miriam Jefferson (from Texas) have created history by becoming UK’s first interfaith lesbian couple to get married according to Hindu rituals.

Dressed in beautiful sarees, the two brides wore traditional attires, mangalsutras, and garlands around their necks. They met around 20 years ago when Kalavati went to America for a course to study diversity. The two fell in love and the rest, as they say, is history!

 

Kalavati said that she always wanted a traditional wedding.

“Marriage is very important to me, I grew up in a very traditional household. I really value the traditions and our culture. And to me, I wanted to spend my life with someone in a union and a bond. And some of the rituals that you do in a wedding were very important to me. I wanted Miriam and I to be joined in that union.”

 

Miriam added that she values what is important to her life partner.

“It was very important to her. And because her family is so important to her, that was important to me. My tradition is also very important to me. I was probably less invested in the institution of marriage but I did want to have a life with Kalav. And this was one of the ways, we could get to do it.”

 

But, it was not very easy for Kalavati to come out to her family and friends.

“It was initially very difficult for me as an Asian gay woman, cause I knew from a very young age that I was gay. I am 48 now, but I knew in my teenage years that I was gay. It was very difficult, that process of being able to tell your friends and family members, trying to honour the tradition.”

 

But things eased out when she told them and they embraced Miriam with open arms.

“But once I told my family and friends, which was a few years ago, so many many years I kept it a secret, they’ve been very warm and welcoming and embracing Miriam; which is very important…I hope many many gay people — no matter what religion or culture they’re in — are in loving relationships.”

 

Our hearts are melting.

 

Their wedding cake was some sight and they tied the knot at Chutney Ivy restaurant in Leicester.

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One of the challenges they had to face was getting a priest to perform their wedding according to the Hindu tradition. Initially, no one agreed. But then, a local Hindu female priest, Chanda Vyas performed the ceremony.

Kalavati and Miriam look extremely happy together and the fact that they got married is a tale to tell. We are so proud of them and wish them a very happy married life ahead.

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