INDORE: A transgender man married his longtime girlfriend in Madhya Pradesh under the special marriage act. Astitva Soni underwent gender transformation surgery on his 47th birthday to live a new life as a man.

The marriage had the backing of the Supreme Court’s landmark rule that gave transgender persons in heterosexual relationships the right to marry.

Astitva was born as Alka and was a girl by birth. Through her developing years, Alka felt more like a man and started acting likewise. Astitva’s decision to undergo surgery had the full support of his family.

Both Astitva and his bride had a full understanding of things and decided to live a new life together. It was Astitva’s sister who was initially friends with Aastha. With every visit to the house, Aastha saw Astitiva and the two became familiar and love blossomed.

And now with the unprecedented marriage in India, both Astitiva and Aastha are on cloud nine for the fact that their family have accepted them with both hands.

For the marriage to take place, the couple approached Indore Deputy Collector, Roshan Rai, who after scrutinizing the request, accepted it. On December 11, the couple will have a traditional wedding conforming to all customs.