New Delhi: Indian star sprinter Dutee Chand posted a photo with her girlfriend Monalisa on Instagram on Friday. The Olympian and world gold medallist shared the photo with a caption "Love is love."
She penned a heartwarming note on her Twitter account, "loved you yesterday, love you still, always have always will."
Dutee Chand and Monalisa took the photo at the wedding of the star athlete's sister.
Monalisa can be seen in a dark blue embroidered traditional dress, while Dutee Chand is in a crisp blue jacket and trousers.
It is to be noted that Dutee became the first openly gay Indian athlete back in May 2019 and also faced a slew of criticism from her family after she announced that she was in a same-sex relationship.
Dutee has also taken part in Queen's Baton to shed light on homophobia in Commonwealth countries, alongside British synchronised diver and Olympic gold medallist Tom Daley.
Speaking to news agency PTI, Dutee, during the Commonwealth Games ceremony, said, “LGBT+ athletes should be made to feel safe and comfortable, being their usual selves without fear of persecution or death.”
She also said that she was unaware of the LGTQ movement when she acknowledged her relationship. She also had to face a lot of criticism from her close family and friends.
“I had sleepless nights, but now things have changed for the better. I never thought this would happen one day and I would be invited as the brand ambassador of CWG. It could not have been bigger than this. Now everything has stopped and the same people come up to me and show respect,” Chand told PTI.
"One may fall in love anytime and with anyone. One does not decide that based on caste, religion, or gender," she had said.