I’m a Hindu and my wife is Christian, so we have different beliefs and traditions. Somehow, our marriage still works.

Our wedding was a beautiful representation of all of this blending. We incorporated elements from both cultures: an American ceremony conducted by a close friend, an Indian DJ with drummers who played a mixture of Indian and American music, and American food. This compromise showcased our diverse backgrounds and reinforced our commitment to creating a harmonious life together.

We sometimes run into issues with our different faiths

Our differing religious beliefs have also presented challenges. As a Hindu, I don’t eat beef, while Katy, having grown up in a culture where beef is common, enjoys it. We’ve navigated this by respecting each other’s preferences. While I don’t stop her from eating beef in front of me, she respects my preferences by choosing not to eat it when I’m around and enjoying it outside the home instead. This thoughtful compromise has strengthened our mutual respect.

Another challenge was reconciling our differing views on the afterlife. Initially, it was difficult to accept that Katy’s beliefs included the idea of non-believers going to hell. However, I realized that since I don’t share this belief, it shouldn’t impact our relationship.

Over time, Katy has also come to understand that my beliefs are valid, and we’ve found common ground in our shared values.

One aspect where we are fortunate is that patriarchy, a significant issue in both our cultures, doesn’t impact us as a lesbian couple. This has allowed us to avoid some of the traditional gender dynamics that can complicate relationships.

We have learned the importance of open communication

Through regular, open discussions about our differences, we’ve discovered that our core values align closely. We both strive to show love and kindness, serve others generously, and remain authentic. These shared values are the foundation of our relationship and have helped us overcome any challenges.

Ultimately, our love for each other bridges our cultural and religious differences. It’s this love that holds us together and makes our diverse backgrounds an asset rather than a hurdle. Our journey has shown us that embracing and respecting each other’s cultures can create a life filled with joy, understanding, and unity.