In May Time.com ran a story about a 57-year-old Mumbai resident, Padma Iyer, running India’s first gay marriage advert seeking a groom for her son Harish.
According to The Time report the ad only made it into Mid-Day after being rejected by other newspapers, including the country’s leading English-language daily, The Times of India, which reportedly turned down the ad on legal grounds.
“I think it’s absolutely normal for any mother to wish for her son to settle down. My mother is no different. She’s 57, and fears I’ll be alone after she’s gone,” Harish, who is a leading LGBT rights activist, stated, saying he had already received six responses to the ad.
The ad specified that Harish is hoping to find a vegetarian life partner. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India has responded by offering to pay for a vegan first date. In an email to Harish, Poorva Joshipura, CEO of PETA India wrote, “We at People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India also noticed kindness and health are important qualities for you in a partner, as the advert states you are hoping to spend your life with someone who chooses to be meat-free. With the two of you being good to your hearts like this, in more ways than one, you are far more likely to enjoy a long life together, as well as one that is happy.
“We know how nerve wracking a first date can be, and how important it is to make a good first impression. In that regard, we are writing to offer that your first date with your potential life partner be on us, with a romantic vegan dinner for two at a restaurant of your choice.”
Joshipiura continued, “We, like you, stand for respect for all, and wish you all the best in your efforts to find love. As there’s nothing more attractive than compassion, we imagine the biggest trouble you’ll face is deciding who to choose!”
