India's First Openly Queer MP: Senior Advocate Menaka Guruswamy Takes Oath

Menaka Guruswamy: A Historic Milestone for LGBTQ+ Representation

In a landmark moment for Indian democracy, Senior Advocate Menaka Guruswamy has become the country's first openly queer Member of Parliament (MP). She took her oath as a member of the Rajya Sabha on April 6, 2026, representing West Bengal with the support of the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC).

Legal Legacy

• Section 377: She was a lead counsel in the historic 2018 Navtej Singh Johar case, which led to the decriminalization of homosexuality in India.


• Academic Excellence: A Rhodes Scholar and a prominent voice in constitutional law, her entry into the legislature is seen as a major step toward inclusive governance.

For TNPSC and Polity aspirants, this is a vital update under 'Indian Parliament' and 'Social Justice,' reflecting the evolving nature of legislative representation in India.