Who Is Q Manivannan? Indian-Origin Trans Candidate Elected To Scottish Parliament

Last Updated:May 11, 2026, 10:10 IST

Manivannan’s election has drawn attention in the UK because the Scottish Greens candidate reportedly does not possess indefinite leave to remain in the country.

An Indian-origin transgender candidate from Tamil Nadu has entered Scotland’s political history after being elected to the Scottish Parliament, the devolved legislature that governs key areas such as health, education and justice in Scotland, as a representative of the Scottish Greens.

Q Manivannan, who identifies as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns, won a regional list seat from Edinburgh and Lothians East and will now serve as a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP). Their victory has generated political attention in the UK not only because of their identity and immigrant background, but also because they reportedly do not hold permanent residency status in the country.

The election has also triggered intense reactions online, including abuse targeting Manivannan and another transgender Scottish Greens candidate, even as supporters hailed the result as a milestone for representation and diversity in Scottish politics.

Who Is Q Manivannan?

Originally from Tamil Nadu, Manivannan moved to Scotland in 2021 to pursue studies in international relations at the University of St Andrews.

They describe themselves as an anthropologist and poet, and have frequently spoken about issues linked to migration, identity, queer rights and social justice movements. In public remarks, Manivannan has referred to themselves as a “queer Tamil immigrant".

Speaking after the election result, Manivannan told supporters: “My name is Dr Q Manivannan, I am a transgender Tamil immigrant… 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: “A politics of care expands what is possible for everyone left behind, pushed out or never invited in."

Why Has Their Election Become Politically Significant?

Manivannan’s election has drawn attention because they reportedly do not possess indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom — a status broadly comparable to permanent residency.

According to The Telegraph, Manivannan was able to contest the election because of changes introduced through the Scottish Elections (Franchise and Representation) Act, passed by the Scottish Parliament in 2020. Earlier, candidates generally required indefinite leave to remain in the UK to stand in Scottish elections.

The revised law expanded eligibility rules to allow individuals holding different forms of valid immigration leave — including temporary visas such as study visas — to contest polls.

The development has reignited political debate in the UK around immigration laws, voting rights and eligibility for public office.

According to the BBC, Manivannan is currently in the UK on a student visa and may need to renew it during the parliamentary term. Scottish Greens co-leader Gillian Mackay told BBC Scotland’s The Sunday Show that the party would support Manivannan through the process.

According to The Telegraph, Manivannan had previously sought financial assistance to apply for a graduate visa that would allow them to continue living and working in the UK for a limited period after completing studies.

BBC Scotland reported that the Scottish Greens were confident the salary attached to the role of an MSP — just under £80,000 annually — would make obtaining a new visa more straightforward.

Responding to the controversy, a spokesperson for the Scottish Greens said Manivannan “is on a valid visa with the right to work and live in Scotland" and criticised the UK immigration system as “needlessly expensive and hostile".

Abuse And Online Backlash After Election

Soon after the results were declared, Manivannan and fellow transgender Scottish Greens politician Iris Duane became targets of online abuse.

According to The National Scotland, public comments directed at them included words such as “disgusting", “perverted" and “lying scumbags". One comment reportedly stated: “Lipstick on a pig is lunacy."

Sharing The Telegraph’s report on the election, former Green Party deputy leader Shahrar Ali reacted on X, writing: “This is called taking the pi**."

Author Andy Ngo also criticised the development, claiming that Scotland was allowing non-citizens to become elected representatives despite Manivannan being on a temporary visa.

UK Conservative MP Robert Jenrick, meanwhile, focused his criticism on Manivannan’s immigration status rather than gender identity. “Dr Manivannan may be a nice young person," he wrote on X. “But I don’t want to live in a country where people on student visas can become elected representatives to national parliaments."

The Scottish Greens described the abuse as “disgraceful".

Manivannan later responded through an Instagram post, writing: “If my mere existence causes this much trouble, I’m excited to see how much my words will."

They added that ordinary people in Scotland had shown support after the election.

“I took a walk with a pal today in the end-of-Spring sun in Leith, and to all of you who stopped and thanked me for running, congratulated me, and hugged me — thank you," the post said.

Manivannan also referred to messages received from families and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

“To the mothers of trans children who’ve reached out to tell me they cried when I was elected – thank you.

“To the women and enbys who’ve written to say that Scotland is proud of me, and that you have my back — thank you."

They further wrote: “Scotland is my home because you, my family, fight for me. And for that, amidst the violent hate, I am so very happy.

“And doesn’t that piss people off?"

Why The Election Stands Out

Manivannan’s victory is being seen as a rare instance of a non-permanent resident being elected to public office in the UK.

It also comes at a time when questions around immigration, transgender rights and multicultural politics remain deeply polarising across Britain.

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