In a world where love knows no bounds, Sameer Samudra and Amit Gokhale’s incredible love story began two decades ago. Their love journey defies cultural boundaries, overcoming obstacles and embracing the true meaning of companionship. From their early problems with self-acceptance to their status as petitioners in the Supreme Court of India, Sameer and Amit have not only made a life together, but they are also pioneers in rewriting the narrative of love.
We chatted exclusively with the pair about the start of their relationship, their journey of facing challenges, and what lies ahead.
Breaking away from expectations
Sameer Samudra
Their journey began with a bittersweet promise – a pact of friendship amidst personal struggles. “Amit wasn’t sure how he was going to deal with his sexuality and coming out in the open. So, he declared he was going to marry a girl (due to family and societal pressure), whereas I was adamant that I was going to marry a man. So, we agreed to just be friends,” said Samudra.
Yet, fate had other plans. As their conversations deepened, a profound connection emerged. “But, eventually, he began to believe that he could lead a happier life with me and be open about his identity to society and his parents,” Samudra added. Gradually, the initial hesitation transformed into an undeniable desire for a life lived genuinely.
Building a home unbound by labels
Sameer Samudra
Samudra said, “We started conversing, dated long distance for over 1.5 years, and then he moved in with me and began working where I was working, and we have been living and building our lives together since then. Our wonderful relationship became a successful marriage in 2010, after 7 years of dating,” with his heart full of beautiful recollections.
They forged a life together, unbound by traditional gender roles or societal norms. Samudra said, “There are no stereotypical gender roles in our household. For example, I cook because I enjoy cooking. And, I believe this is one of the major differences we have established.”
One important aspect of a healthy relationship is never taking your partner or the relationship itself for granted. Same rule is what Amit and Sameer followed. “We had to battle for that. We’re still fighting. We filed a petition in the Supreme Court of India to legalise our marriage, and we are currently battling for that right in India. So don’t take our marriage for granted; we had to work for it, and we value it,” said Sameer.
No relationship is complete without communication, right? And since both of them are males, they believe they have a better understanding of the perspective. “I absolutely get what he means when he says he cares for his family or worries about them. Because, as a son, I share the same responsibilities and roles. So, I believe that as sons, we can better understand each other’s worlds,” said Samudra.
Embracing individuality, strengthening the bond
Sameer Samudra
While their love formed a strong bond, they embraced their unique identities. Samudra said, “Amit is an introvert and I am an extrovert. We are literally 180 degrees apart when it comes to our nature.” However, their common ideals and mutual respect enable them to manage these differences with ease. By adapting to one other’s routines, preferences, and even movie choices, they demonstrate the art of compromise and mutual growth.
“He prefers sci-fi movies, while I lean towards rom-coms. We enjoy watching movies that appeal to both of us. He has a knack for tactical thinking, while I tend to take a more strategic approach. He has a keen eye for details, while I tend to focus more on high-level strategic thinking,” said Samudra.
Overall, they learned to adjust, appreciating each other’s unique styles and valuing their distinctions. Through their contrasting personalities, they uncovered a profound comprehension, rejoicing in not only their affection, but also the depth of their unique identities.
Conquering challenges & changing narratives
Sameer Samudra
Challenges arose as Sameer and Amit encountered societal opposition on their path as a gay couple. Their strength resided in unshakeable self-belief and frank communication. “So we’ve encountered opposition from our closest family members, relatives, and friends. I believe what helped us was that we understood who we were and were not doing anything illegal. So having a strong belief in yourself is quite important. So we always made sure that we didn’t let these other factors affect us,” said Samudra.
From sharing their experiences to actively participating in LGBTQ+ advocacy, they strive to change the narrative, encouraging dialogue and understanding. “There’s not much we can do about hatred. However, we openly discuss LGBTQ+ lives, including our own experiences. We visit numerous educational institutions, universities, and more to discuss it. Dialogue is essential for driving change and making a difference,” Samudra said.
A message of hope, acceptance & equality
Sameer Samudra
Sameer and Amit’s story is a beautiful testament to love, filled with hope and acceptance. “I believe love is love and the second important thing is- live and let live,” said Samudra. He added, “We are who we are; we have not decided to be gay. Just as you have not chosen to be straight. I adore my same-sex partner just as much as you do your heterosexual lover. It’s the same. We deserve equal rights, equal treatment, and respect from society.”
It’s a plea to liberate ourselves from the constraints of bias and wholeheartedly embrace the richness of diversity. It serves as a reminder that love can surpass gender, societal norms, and cultural expectations, showcasing its pure essence.
“I want people to educate themselves on this matter since there is so much ignorance, negativity, and intolerance,” Samudra remarked, his voice full of hope and optimism.
In the midst of a changing world, Sameer and Amit’s love story is a shining example of inspiration, as it challenges societal norms, celebrates individuality, and promotes inclusivity.
Social and lead image credits: Instagram/Sameer Samudra
