In a milestone for LGBTQ+ representation, the Scottish Parliament has welcomed its first transgender and non-binary members. Following last week’s Holyrood elections, Iris Duane (Glasgow region) and Dr. Q Manivannan (Edinburgh and Lothians East) have taken their seats as MSPs for the Scottish Green Party. While the moment has been hailed as a victory for diversity, the appointment of Dr. Manivannan has simultaneously triggered a national debate regarding visa eligibility and parliamentary vetting.
Dr. Q Manivannan, a queer Tamil immigrant who uses they/them pronouns, secured a seat through the regional list system. An academic and human rights activist, Manivannan’s victory was celebrated by supporters as a sign of a “kinder, more inclusive Scotland.” Joining them is Iris Duane, who made history in Glasgow, making the Scottish Greens the first party in the UK to have multiple trans representatives in a legislative body.
In their victory speech, Dr. Manivannan noted, “I am to some in this country everything that the hateful despise, and I am standing here as your MSP now with care.”
The celebration was quickly met with scrutiny regarding Dr. Manivannan’s legal right to work. As an Indian national who came to Scotland for their PhD, Manivannan is currently on a student visa, which typically limits holders to 20 hours of work per week. Critics, including Scottish Conservative MSP Stephen Kerr, have called for a Home Office investigation, arguing that the role of an MSP is a full-time commitment that cannot be fulfilled under current student visa restrictions.
The row has even created friction within the pro-independence camp. Former SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford described the situation as an “automatic vetting fail,” suggesting the Greens showed contempt for the electorate by fielding a candidate with temporary leave to remain.
However, the Scottish Greens and legal experts point to the Scottish Elections (Representation and Reform) Act, which was passed unanimously by the previous parliament. This law intentionally expanded candidacy rights to foreign nationals with limited leave to remain, including those on visas.
Dr. Manivannan has since clarified their status, explaining that they have already passed their PhD viva and are transitioning to a Graduate visa, which grants three years of residency. Furthermore, they are applying for a Global Talent visa, which recognizes their contributions to academia and human rights, potentially securing their residency for the full duration of the parliamentary term.
The backlash has not been limited to visa technicalities. Both Duane and Manivannan have reported “violent hate” and a surge in online abuse since their election. Despite this, the Scottish Greens have doubled down on their support, calling the UK’s immigration system “hostile and dehumanizing.”
As the new MSPs prepare to be sworn in, the focus remains on whether Holyrood’s modern candidacy rules can withstand the pressure of UK-wide immigration enforcement. For many, Dr. Manivannan represents the “New Scots” identity—proof that one’s heritage or gender identity is no longer a barrier to the heart of Scottish law-making.
