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State PCS

State PCS - Karnataka (KPSC)

  • 09 Apr 2026
  • 2 min read
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Menaka Guruswamy Becomes India’s First Openly Queer MP

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. 
Read More: Rajya SabhaSupreme CourtLGBTQ+Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India 

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