Historic First in Assam: Transwoman Taira Bhattacharjee Marries in Legally Recognised Union
GUWAHATI | June 30, 2025: As Pride Month comes to a close, Assam witnesses a landmark moment in LGBTQ+ history. Taira Bhattacharjee, a transwoman from Guwahati, has become the first from the state to officially marry a man—her longtime friend and partner, Bikramjit Sutradhar. Their union not only symbolizes love and resilience but also marks a significant legal and social milestone for the transgender community in Assam.
The couple registered their marriage on May 26 at the Kamrup (Metro) DC Office, and later celebrated with a social ceremony on June 2 at the Ugratara Temple. Taira, who underwent gender affirmation surgery in 2019, shared how years of bullying, isolation, and societal rejection shaped her journey. “I always felt like my soul was trapped in the wrong body,” she said, recounting her struggle through school and university.
Taira and Bikramjit’s story began in 2006, when they met through a mutual friend. Their relationship, however, faced intense familial opposition. Bikramjit revealed a deeply emotional moment when, out of despair, he contemplated suicide. “But Taira gave me hope. She had decided to undergo her medical transition and told me that giving up wasn’t an option anymore,” he said.
Now married, the couple actively advocates on social media for gender inclusivity, battling discrimination and stigma through their voices and lived experiences. Their wedding has been hailed as a watershed moment. Filmmaker and LGBTQ+ activist Milin Dutta called it a “big milestone,” thanking the couple for “setting the path for many more to follow, for many more to hope and dream.”
Their story also highlights progressive legal developments in India, such as the 2014 NALSA vs Union of India verdict, in which the Supreme Court recognised the rights of transgender persons to self-identify and enjoy full constitutional rights—including the right to marry.
Taira and Bikramjit’s journey stands as a beacon of courage, love, and triumph over adversity—a reminder that acceptance, change, and equality begin with bold choices.
