Menaka Guruswamy Becomes India’s First Openly Queer MP | 09 Apr 2026

Why in News? 

Senior advocate Menaka Guruswamy has made history by becoming India’s first openly queer Member of Parliament after taking oath in the Rajya Sabha, marking a major milestone for LGBTQ+ representation in Indian politics. 

Key Points 

• Historic Achievement: Menaka Guruswamy became the first openly queer MP in India after being sworn in as a member of the Rajya Sabha. 
  • She was elected to the Rajya Sabha as a candidate of the All India Trinamool Congress from the state of West Bengal.  
• Legal Background: She is a renowned constitutional law expert and senior advocate of the Supreme Court of India. 
  • She has been a prominent voice for civil liberties, constitutional rights, and LGBTQ+ equality in India. 
• Landmark Case: She was one of the lawyers involved in the historic Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India case. 
  • The case led to the decriminalisation of homosexuality by reading down Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code in 2018. 
• Significance: Her entry into Parliament is viewed as a milestone for LGBTQ+ representation in governance and reflects increasing visibility and acceptance of queer voices in Indian politics.