Noora and Adhila: Indian Lesbian ‘Brides’ in a ‘Wedding’ Photoshoot

(CTN News) – Noora and Adhila gained notoriety earlier this year when a Kerala court in southern India brought the two ladies back together after their parents had forcefully separated them.

The ladies Adhila Nasarin and Fathima Noora had filed a court petition to protest the hostility they encountered after coming out to their families.

They once again made news last month. This time, the duo posed as brides for a wedding picture session.

Under a canopy by the sea in the Ernakulam region, they beamingly exchanged rings and rose garlands while accessorized in silver jewellery and embroidered brown and deep blue lehengas (long skirts).

Congratulations for the happy pair flooded in when Ms. Noora, 23, posted the pictures on her Facebook page with the message, “Achievement unlocked: together forever.”

Ms. Noora and Ms. Nasarin told the BBC over the phone, “We merely attempted the photoshoot because we felt the concept was unique.

These picture sessions included several LGBT couples, including women.

According to Noora and Adhila, “We aren’t married yet.” But we’d want to be at some time.

After a protracted legal struggle by campaigners and LGBTQ+ organisations, India’s Supreme Court decriminalized homosexual sex in 2018. Although there is more general knowledge of the group, there is still stigma and a barrier to full acceptance for its members.

This is something Ms. Noora and Ms. Nasarin are all too acquainted with. The pair claims they are still threatened with being cut off from Ms. Noora’s relatives.

Same-sex unions are not recognized by Indian law, while the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court are now debating legalization petitions.

Many homosexual couples have been taking part in commitment ceremonies in the meantime.

The Kerala High Court has given Ms. Noora and Ms. Nasarin permission to be together, but they are not entitled to the same advantages or rights as a married couples in India.

According to Ms. Nasarin, “whenever we fill out any form, they ask for a wife, husband, or father’s name.” “I’m still required to go by my father’s name at work and elsewhere. We recently had to provide the identities of our dads while visiting a hospital. It was annoying.”

The fact that the Noora and Adhila don’t get along with their families makes this harder.

The ladies depend on one another and LGBTQ+ organizations like Vanaja Collective to help them come together since their family and the community they grew up in are not there to support them.

Ms. Noora and Ms. Nasarin were close after meeting in high school. After graduating from high school, they lived with their families in various areas of Kerala for three years while they pursued their college degrees, keeping in touch when they could with sporadic calls and chats.

They sought support groups and were advised to complete their studies and get a job first.

They still provide the same advice to anyone that contacts them now.

They were aware that leaving their traditional families to be together would not be simple, according to Ms. Nasarin.

“Many individuals in our neighbourhood lack a solid educational foundation. This lack of knowledge might become a barrier when we attempt to assist individuals in finding work, “Says Ms. Nasarin.

They counsel anybody who could be in their situation to become financially independent because of this.

According to Ms. Noora, “having work is crucial in being able to live your own life.” Because of your financial stability, you are not at another person’s mercy.

The two ladies claim they have not missed their past since the court ruling.

Their social media posts about many aspects of their life show how liberated they feel.

Their photographs now show them creating their lives together, including playing around with Instagram Reels, hanging out with friends, and raising a puppy together. Previously, they could only be seen holding hands or showing the backs of their heads.

Nothing, adds Ms. Noora, “would I change right now.” It seems as if we have left poison behind.

The pair said that the encouragement they have gotten from others never ceases to affect them. They have given several interviews, been highlighted in a well-known women’s magazine, and appeared on a TV programme in the state where their tale has been praised for its bravery and tenacity.

Ms. Nasarin claims, “people recognize us even when we wear a mask and spectacles.” And the public response has been positive and uplifting so far.

They claim that their family still thinks of their relationship as a phase, and similar remarks often appear on their Facebook and Instagram profiles.

Detractors warn them they have set a poor example and should be married to males, along with well-wishers who support and cheer them on.

Ms. Noora and Ms. Nasarin sometimes reply to extremely offensive remarks on Instagram.

However, they do so with a sense of humour.

Wait till we’re 40, they replied to a recent Instagram comment that said their sexuality must be a phase since they had never seen a lesbian older than 40.

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