Menaka Guruswamy has over two decades of legal work that has changed how India defines equality. As the lead counsel in the landmark Supreme Court case that decriminalized homosexuality by reading down Section 377, Guruswamy has been a pivotal figure in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in India. Her journey has now taken a historic turn as she was sworn in as India’s first openly queer Member of Parliament (MP) on April 6, 2026, representing the All India Trinamool Congress from West Bengal.
Guruswamy’s swearing-in drew significant attention beyond the Rajya Sabha chamber, symbolizing a breakthrough in a political landscape that has often sidelined LGBTQ+ voices. Born in Hyderabad in 1974, she has an impressive academic background, having studied at the National Law School of India University, Oxford, and Harvard Law School. Her legal acumen and advocacy have earned her recognition as one of the 100 most influential Global Thinkers by Foreign Policy magazine in 2019, and she was also included in Time magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world the same year.
In her first statements as an MP, Guruswamy expressed her commitment to carry forward the ideals of equality, fraternity, and non-discrimination, which she stated have guided her life and work. “I hope to carry these ideals forward into Parliament,” she remarked, emphasizing her dedication to advancing the rights of marginalized communities.
Guruswamy’s appointment as a Senior Advocate by the Supreme Court of India in 2019 further solidified her status as a leading legal mind in the country. In addition to her work on LGBTQ+ rights, she is also a litigant in the ongoing case for gender-equal marriage rights in India, showcasing her commitment to broader issues of equality.
On the day of her swearing-in, she was one of 19 members who took the oath, but her presence was particularly significant given her trailblazing identity. Observers note that her role in Parliament could pave the way for more inclusive policies and discussions surrounding LGBTQ+ rights and gender equality.
As Guruswamy embarks on this new chapter in her career, the eyes of the nation are on her. Advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and gender equality are hopeful that her influence will lead to meaningful change in legislation and societal attitudes towards these issues.
With her extensive background in legal advocacy and her groundbreaking position in Parliament, Menaka Guruswamy stands poised to challenge the status quo and inspire future generations of leaders in India.
