Queer Tamil Immigrant Q Manivannan Wins Seat in Scottish Parliament for Greens

Q Manivannan , an India-born anthropologist who identifies as non-binary and a queer Tamil immigrant , has been elected to the devolved Scottish Parliament as a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) representing Edinburgh and Lothians East on the Scottish Greens list.

Manivannan secured the seat under Scotland’s proportional representation system , which allocates regional list seats based on party vote share. Their candidacy was made possible after a rule change allowing foreign nationals with valid visas not necessarily permanent residency or indefinite leave to remain to stand for elections in Scotland.

Campaigning on a platform of “kinder politics,” Manivannan called for a more compassionate and inclusive approach to governance, focusing on working-class communities, immigrants, asylum seekers, and LGBTQ+ groups .

“As a queer Tamil immigrant, I am standing to be an MSP to bring a politics of care and compassion to Holyrood,” they said during the campaign, referring to the seat of the Scottish Parliament.

They highlighted their background in community organising, education, and policy work , including experience with the United Nations, trade unions, and human rights organisations. Manivannan also pledged to work on disability inclusion, accessible urban planning, and human rights protections .

The Scottish Greens welcomed the result, calling it part of a strong electoral performance. A party spokesperson defended the eligibility rules, stating that individuals with the right to live and work in Scotland should be able to participate in democratic processes.

Manivannan also outlined plans to represent local constituents while advocating for solidarity with oppressed communities , including immigrants in Edinburgh and broader global causes.

The election comes amid wider gains for the Scottish Greens and Reform UK in local contests, while the governing Labour Party faced significant losses.