Scotland has made history by electing its first two transgender Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) to the Holyrood parliament. Dr Q Manivannan and Iris Duane both secured regional list seats for the Scottish Green Party, marking a significant milestone for LGBTQ+ representation in Scottish politics.
Historic Election Results
Dr Q Manivannan was elected in the Edinburgh and Lothians East region on Friday, while their party colleague Iris Duane's seat in the Glasgow region was confirmed shortly afterwards. The victories were met with cheers from party supporters gathered at the Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh.
Dr Manivannan's Address
Addressing a crowd of cheering party supporters after the results were announced, Dr Manivannan said: “My name is Dr Q Manivannan, I am a transgender Tamil immigrant, my pronouns are they/them. I am to some in this country everything that the hateful despise and I am standing here as your MSP now with care.”
They added: “They say politics is the art of the possible, a politics of care I would say expands what is possible for everyone left behind, pushed out or never invited in. Every barrier placed before me with the Greens was the reason also that we pushed further. This is what diversity looks like in power.”
Gratitude to Family
Dr Manivannan also thanked their family: “You showed me that home is the place you don’t have to explain yourself, and where you can believe in one another. Thank you.”
The election of Dr Manivannan and Iris Duane represents a groundbreaking moment for the Scottish Parliament, highlighting the growing diversity and inclusivity within the country's political landscape.
