Menaka Guruswamy has over two decades of legal work that has changed how India defines equality. She is now making headlines again as she was sworn in on April 6, 2026, as India’s first openly queer Member of Parliament (MP) in the Rajya Sabha.
Nominated by the All India Trinamool Congress from West Bengal, Guruswamy’s swearing-in drew significant attention beyond the Rajya Sabha chamber. Her groundbreaking role comes after she was the lead counsel in the Supreme Court case that decriminalized homosexuality in India by reading down Section 377 in 2018.
Born in Hyderabad in 1974, Guruswamy has an impressive academic background, having studied at the National Law School of India University, Oxford, and Harvard Law School. In 2019, she was named among the 100 most influential Global Thinkers by Foreign Policy magazine and was also included in Time magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world.
Guruswamy’s influence extends beyond the courtroom; she has served as visiting faculty at prestigious institutions such as Yale Law School and Columbia Law School. Appointed as a Senior Advocate by the Supreme Court of India in 2019, she continues to advocate for gender-equal marriage rights in India.
Upon taking her oath, Guruswamy expressed her commitment to the ideals of equality and non-discrimination. “I hope to carry these ideals forward into Parliament,” she stated. She emphasized that the Constitution’s values of equality, fraternity, and non-discrimination have guided her life and work.
On the same day, 19 other members were sworn in, but Guruswamy’s presence stands out as a historic milestone for LGBTQ+ representation in Indian politics. Observers are keen to see how her experience and advocacy will influence future legislation and discussions around equality in the country.
As Guruswamy steps into her new role, the political landscape in India may witness significant changes, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ rights and equality. Her journey is not just a personal achievement but a beacon of hope for many advocating for change in India.
