Lesbian marriage spreads shockwaves in Andhra

Hyderabad, Nov 2: Two young lesbian lovers officially got married in a temple recently shocking their families and its neighbours. This marriage took place in a sleepy rustic village of Andhra Pradesh recently.

On contrary, most of the women forums extended their support to the 'couples'.

The couple, K. Kumari, 19, and Varalakshmi, 18, tied the knot at the Lingala Tirugudu temple near Sabbavaram on October 16 and later exchanged Bibles in a local church to further cement their relationship. They have also started living together in a separate house like any other married couple and are working in a nursery.

Kumari dons the role of the 'husband,' wearing trousers and shirt while Varalakshmi, the demure one, wears the mangalsutra. Though the shock is yet to wear off, the people of the small town of Sabbavaram are now slowly accepting their relationship.

Sources said that Kumari, a native of Anakapalle, came to the town to live with her married elder sister after she lost her parents. She soon met Varalakshmi, who lived nearby, and soon became close friends. The duo started working in a church together to earn money, but they were sacked after their colleagues complained about their intimacy.

Later, the couple rented a small house and started living there. However, Varalakshmi's mother was upset at her daughter's friendship and took her home. But the couple got married without much publicity during Dasara. Interestingly, Varalakshmi's mother was a witness during the exchange of vows.

"We are not ashamed," said Kumari. "First we became good friends and later lovers. Now we live as husband and wife." Varalakshmi was earlier married to a man in Srikakulam but walked out of the marriage. She is not formally divorced. The owner of their rented house is not too bothered about their relationship. "As long as they pay the rent and keep quiet, it is ok with me." he said. Women in the neighbourhood have also more or less accepted their relationship.
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