Dr. Menaka Guruswamy created history, becoming India’s first openly queer MP (Member of Parliament).
Senior advocate and politician Dr. Menaka Guruswamy took the oath in the Rajya Sabha on April 6, 2026.
- Guruswamy was elected to the Rajya Sabha as a candidate of the All India Trinamool Congress from the state of West Bengal.
India's First Openly Queer MP, Dr. Menaka Guruswamy: Key Points
» Dr. Menaka Guruswamy is a senior advocate at the Supreme Court of India.
- Guruswamy is also known for her landmark role in the Section 377 case that decriminalized homosexuality.
- Guruswamy’s entry into Parliament marks a significant milestone for LGBTQ+ rights and representation in Indian politics.
Oath Taking Ceremony:
» Hon’ble Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan administered oath/affirmation to nineteen newly elected/ re-elected Members in Rajya Sabha Chamber on 06 April 2026.
- The newly elected/ re-elected Members are: Shri Ramdas Bandu Athawale, Shrimati Maya Chintaman Ivnate, Shri Sharadchandra Pawar, Shri Ramrao Sakharam Wadkute, Dr. Jyoti Nagnath Waghmare, Shri Christopher Manickam, Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss, Shri Constandine Ravindran, Shri L. K. Sudhish, Dr. M. Thambidurai, Shri Tiruchi Siva, Shri Babul Supriya Baral, Dr. Menaka Guruswamy, Shri Rajeev Kumar, Ms. Rukmini Mallik, Shri Biswajit Sinha, Shri Santrupt Mishra, Shri Dilip Kumar Ray and Shri Manmohan Samal.
- Five Members are from the state of Maharashtra, six from Tamil Nadu, five from West Bengal and three from Odisha.