Dr. Menaka Guruswamy makes history as India’s first Queer MP, takes oath in Rajya Sabha
Harvinder Kaur
Chandigarh, April 6, 2026: In a moment that signals both change and continuity in India’s democratic journey, Menaka Guruswamy took oath as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha, becoming the country’s first queer MP.
Known for her sharp legal mind and deep engagement with constitutional law, Guruswamy is not new to shaping history.
She was among the key lawyers in the landmark 2018 Supreme Court case that read down Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, a judgment that decriminalised homosexuality and marked a turning point for LGBTQ+ rights in India.
Her journey from the courtroom to Parliament reflects a natural extension of her work—moving from interpreting the Constitution to now helping shape the laws that govern the country. For many, her presence in the Upper House is not just symbolic, but deeply meaningful. It represents voices that were once pushed to the margins now finding space at the centre of decision-making.
Guruswamy has long been associated with significant constitutional matters, often advocating for rights, dignity, and equality. Her work has earned respect across legal and academic circles, and her entry into Parliament is expected to bring a thoughtful, rights-based perspective to legislative debates.
Beyond the legal and political significance, her oath carries a quiet emotional weight. For countless individuals in the LGBTQ+ community, it is a moment of visibility—of seeing someone who reflects their identity in a space that shapes the nation’s future.