India’s First Openly Queer Member of Parliament Sworn Into Rajya Sabha Senior advocate Menaka Guruswamy was sworn in as a member of Parliament on April 6, 2026, becoming India’s first openly queer representative in the Rajya Sabha. The ceremony marked a historic milestone for LGBTQ+ representation in Indian politics, as Guruswamy, elected unopposed by the Trinamool Congress from West Bengal, took her oath in the upper house of the Indian Parliament. Her appointment has been widely celebrated as a significant step toward greater inclusion of historically marginalized communities in the political landscape. Guruswamy, a senior advocate known for her work in constitutional law, has long been a prominent figure in India’s legal community. Her career has been defined by advocacy for civil rights and social justice, with a particular focus on LGBTQ+ rights. She played a pivotal role in the landmark 2018 Supreme Court case that led to the decriminalization of homosexuality in India. The ruling, which invalidated Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code—a law that had criminalized same-sex relationships for decades—was a watershed moment for LGBTQ+ rights in the country. Guruswamy’s involvement in this case solidified her reputation as a defender of equality and human rights. The Trinamool Congress, the party that fielded Guruswamy for the Rajya Sabha election, emphasized her legal expertise and commitment to social justice as key factors in her unopposed victory. The election, held in the context of growing public discourse around LGBTQ+ rights, underscored the shifting political landscape in India. Guruswamy’s election to the Rajya Sabha is seen as a reflection of the increasing visibility of LGBTQ+ voices in public life and the gradual acceptance of diverse identities in Indian society.#west_bengal #trinamool_congress #rajya_sabha #menaka_guruswamy #section_377_case
