http://stephgrantphotography.com/blog/shannon-seema-indian-lesbian-wedding-los-angeles-ca/
I came across this when it was doing its rounds on facebook. Looking at these pictures got me thinking. These are the pictures of a lesbian Hindu marriage in Los Angeles. As I read the headline, I was curious to see where it had happened and was also curious how it had happened as in to see if one of the partners posed as a male for the wedding. But as I scrolled down I noticed that the wedding was actually quite unique, as all the rituals followed in a conventional wedding by the bride were followed by both the partners. Cheers to the wedding, to start with I think we should have more and more of such weddings but it also brings out some deeply problematic things of religion into the forefront.
One notices the kanyadan ceremony being done, which is an indication of donating the virgin to a man in literal sense and the Sindhoor ceremony which is an indication of the consummation of a heterosexual marriage both of which are not valid in a lesbian marriage. Then how do lesbian's get married? If the world was atheist and anarchist then we would be happy and wouldn't have to worry about such questions.
To begin with, we have to come to terms with the fact that all the religions (Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, Confucianism, Judaism etc) have not acknowledged homosexuality and hence do not have ways to authorize it. It has always been Bride and Groom and Man and Wife. For that matter there have been no terms in language designated to address homosexual couple. So when the religion doesn't accept homosexuality, why should homosexuals confirm to religion, is something that hovers on the top of my mind.
Going by the argument that rituals are meant for celebration and happiness (read wedding rituals), why should a lesbian couple adapt a heterosexual marriage. Yes, the religions are archaic and have not grown up yet but I think it is high time they wake up. Through out the history, all the religions have been changing with time (though they continue to remain foolish). There has been change. Should we then not amend it again? Should we then not make it inclusive atleast in this aspect?
Every month we have a new version of television, even the law changes if the case demands, why then should we stick on some archaic religion.
I think it is time we design exclusive wedding rituals for homosexuals with vows which are designed for them and make sense to them, not some force fitting of heterosexual marriage. (I still think atheism and anarchism are easy and better options but for the rest of the world...) From now it is not necessarily a Man and Wife. We need a brand new religion!