A same-sex wedding has caused a backlash in Russia, where same-sex marriage is still not permitted.
Irina Shumilova and Alyona Fursova married last month in St Petersburg and are now facing prejudice and opposition.
The wedding was legally possible, because Irina's official documents still record her sex as male. The couple plan to fight to preserve their marriage, even when Irina completes her gender change.
Sarah Rainsford went to meet them.