At a time when the world is yet to fully embrace equality and inclusivity for people across all genders and with different sexual orientations, these two prove that there’s nothing really bigger than simple love. Devoid of any conditions, it’s merely raw feelings and emotions.
In an exclusive interview with us, they go on to unravel stories of how they met…and how cherished they feel with each other. Read on:
Tell us all about your love story!
Tatum: We met back in 2005 when I was studying undergrad and Mekhala was in the 2nd year in the same university. We both were studying creative writing so we first got to know each other through exchanging comments on our poems and stories for class and then we hung out as friends.
Mekhala: We fell in love with our most honest selves because the comments we told each other were always true to the heart. We both gave in our honest criticisms and the day I realized that Tatum would tell me if she didn’t like something, I knew she was the one.
Tatum: We didn’t really get together until a few years later as Mekhala had already graduated and I was still in my undergrad for another year in the States. By that time, Mekhala was in Canada and that was the start of our four years of long-distance relationship.
Mekhala: After Tatum graduated from high school, we decided she would move up here to Canada and we’ve been here ever since!
Did you face problems due to your diverse backgrounds?
Tatum: I grew up in Texas and Mekhala grew up largely in the Middle East; we both came from really different cultural backgrounds and had different childhood experiences. But that has led to us learning new things about each other constantly. Creative writing brought us together, along with the fact that we’re both women.
Mekhala: As time went by, we realized that the cultures that we come from actually have a lot in common too. Texan and Indian cultures value some of the same things at heart: the importance of family. I think the fun and being with somebody from a culture that’s very different from yours, is actually realizing how much you actually have in common.
(Picture credits: Erica Camille)
Can you tell us about that one thing that sets you apart from all the other couples out there?
Tatum: I think every couple has their own story but part of what defines us is the fact that we were drawn together because of our love for words and writing. And the 4 years of long-distance relationship had put us to the test. We weren’t seeing each other so, we had to develop strong communication skills.
Mekhala: We talk to each other a lot. We are very good communicators and we still talk a lot about every little thing. We are also best friends and that really benefits our relationship.
Do you get negative responses when you share pictures on social media? If yes, how do you deal with it?
Mekhala: A few years ago when we got married, our wedding photographer put out the pictures and it went really viral. We got thousands of messages from people across the world wishing us well and that made us smile a lot. But there were also many negative messages. Initially, we were shocked because these people who didn’t even know us were wishing us ill. But then again we realised that we felt bad for those people because they didn’t really know both of us and probably didn’t have anybody in their lives to love, the way I and Tatum love each other. Haters gonna hate, but we got to get on with our lives!
How do you think the world has progressed in recent times in accepting the LGBTQ community? Do you think India is close to sanctioning same-sex marriages?
Tatum: It’s outstanding to see how much growth the world has seen in terms of understanding and accepting LGBTQ+ identities, since the time we have been together. It wasn’t even legal when we got together at first, so when the United States passed marriage equality in 2015, we celebrated heartily. It was the only reason we were able to get married in 2018. It’s been very exciting to see that progress happen at this fast pace. At the same time, we know there’s so much more work to be done to advance the rights of LGBTQ individuals around the world, especially people with trans and non-binary gender identities.
Mekhala: And when it comes to India recognizing same-sex marriages, I really hope marriage equality is around the corner in India!
How do you hope to inspire the young generation to follow their hearts and accept their true selves?
Mekhala: We both recognize that being able to live freely and safely as a couple is a privilege we have in the country that we live in right now. But it’s not the case for other people around the world. So if we can share some part of our story and if that can give hope to someone who can’t find or see it at the moment, we would be happy to do that.
Tatum: Totally our relationship, our deep understanding of our own identities and our profound love for each other has been the lone star that has guided our decisions. So I would like people to know that even if you can’t live freely right now, you can still live authentically by knowing who you are deep down inside, and not straying or letting anybody change your mind about yourself and your values.
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