Gay Couples in Long-Term Loving Relationships say Marriage Equality is a must

Gay Couples in Long-Term Loving Relationships say Marriage Equality is a must Kuch Sapney Apne, a film releasing this week, is a story about love & companionship With Valentine's Day just last week, and love still in the air, seven gay couples who have been in a long-term relationship share their stories of love and hopes. Sridhar Rangayan and Saagar Gupta, the filmmaker duo behind many LGBTQ themed films including Kuch Sapney Apne, due for release across India on February 21st, have been in a relationship for 30 years! “We have spent more than half of our lifetimes together, in a relationship that has only become stronger over the years. As Kartik and Aman in our film vow, ‘we plan to grow old together’. We were both petitioners in the marriage equality case in the Supreme Court, and our appeal was rejected. But we won’t lose hope, and with the help of so many other couples we will continue to push for our case for marriage rights”, said Rangayan & Gupta. HRH Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil and Duke DeAndre Richardson have been together for over ten years. Their journey as a couple began in 2013, and they have been celebrating their commitment through marriage, activism, and shared purpose ever since. Gohil and Richardson said, “Love, for us, is about authenticity, resilience, and mutual support. It’s the foundation of everything we do—whether in our personal lives or our advocacy work. Our love is a testament to the power of standing together in the face of challenges, celebrating each other’s individuality, and using our bond to create positive change for the LGBTQ+ community worldwide.” Yogi, a creative consultant and Kabeer, a corporate communications leader, have been together for 10 years. They have been featured in advertisements as a couple, and also run a hugely successful podcast Shuddh Gay Desi on Spotify. They say, “For us, love is the freedom to live authentically—to be seen, accepted, and celebrated for who we truly are. It’s about finding a home in each other, one that allows us to grow as individuals while standing strong as a unit.” Roop Gursahani, a neurologist, and Neil Pathe, a journalist, have been together for over 22 years. They say, “Our temperaments are different but we love each other immensely and are inseparable. To the point that sometimes, we get on each other’s nerves. But I guess that’s what love, empathy and companionship of a lifetime means! We share common values. We complement one another, but are also the worst critics. Perhaps that’s what helps us keep each other grounded.” Dr. Prasad Dandekar is an Oncologist affiliated with a premier hospital in Mumbai, and Shripad is a leadership coach helping business leaders to reach their optimal potential. They have been together for more than 20 years, and celebrated their last anniversary with all their family and friends. They say, “It was a heartwarming, beautiful event which filled our hearts with joy.” Dr.Dandekar & Shripad feel, “Love is not valentine's day for us, but doing small little things for each other on a day to day basis. Love is that cup of coffee I made for him, even when I was in a rush. Love is when I rushed back to home leaving everything behind when he was unwell. Love is when he took care of me when I was sick. Love is letting go, setting free, not holding back. We have become better versions of ourselves by helping each other grow through our love. Love is hard work, work that both partners have to put in everyday to keep the fire burning with the same intensity.”