Overview
On 8 May 2026, Q Manivannan, a non-binary transgender Indian from Tamil Nadu, was elected as a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for Edinburgh & Lothians East. They contested for the Scottish Greens. Manivannan is one of the first two transgender MSPs in Holyrood. They are also the first person elected to the Scottish Parliament without a permanent UK visa.
Who is Q Manivannan?
Q Manivannan is a non-binary transgender person from Tamil Nadu, India. They use the pronouns they/them. On 8 May 2026, they won a seat in the Scottish Parliament. They represent the Edinburgh & Lothians East constituency. Manivannan contested for the Scottish Greens party.
Historic Win for Transgender Representation
Manivannan is one of the first two transgender Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) elected to Holyrood. This is a big step for transgender rights in Scotland.
First Non-UK Citizen Elected Without Permanent Visa
Manivannan made history again. They are the first person elected to Holyrood without a permanent visa to live in the United Kingdom. Before 2025, this was not possible. But the SNP government introduced a new law in 2025. This law allows non-UK citizens with any type of leave to stand for Parliament. This includes short-term study visas.
Education and Migration Background
Manivannan came to Scotland in September 2021. They came to study at the University of St Andrews. Before that, they studied at OP Jindal Global University in Delhi, India. Their journey from India to the Scottish Parliament is unique and inspiring.
What is the Scottish Parliament?
The Scottish Parliament is the devolved legislature of Scotland. It sits at Holyrood in Edinburgh. Members are called MSPs. The Parliament was established in 1999 after the Scotland Act 1998. It is a unicameral legislature. It has 129 MSPs in total.
Manivannan’s Political and Social Views
Manivannan has spoken openly about their identity. They have identified as a queer Tamil immigrant from a lower-caste background. They have also expressed support for Palestine. They link their political position to working-class and marginalised communities. Manivannan believes in representing the voiceless.
FAQ
Q1: When was Q Manivannan elected as an MSP?
A: On 8 May 2026.
Q2: Which constituency does Manivannan represent?
A: Edinburgh & Lothians East.
Q3: Which political party did Manivannan contest for?
A: The Scottish Greens.
Q4: What makes Manivannan’s election historic?
A: They are one of the first two transgender MSPs in Holyrood and the first person elected without a permanent UK visa.
Q5: Where did Manivannan study in India?
A: At OP Jindal Global University in Delhi.
Q6: When did Manivannan arrive in Scotland?
A: In September 2021.
Q7: Which university did they attend in Scotland?
A: The University of St Andrews.
Q8: What law allowed Manivannan to stand for Parliament?