Nicola Coughlan, the acclaimed actress known for her role in *Bridgerton*, has spearheaded a remarkable fundraising effort, amassing over £103,000 for Not A Phase, a charity dedicated to supporting transgender individuals. The campaign’s initial target of £10,000 was dramatically surpassed, with a revised goal now set at £110,000.
This outpouring of support began following a controversial ruling by the British Supreme Court on Thursday. The court determined that the definitions of “woman” and “sex” within the 2010 Equality Act are specifically tied to biological distinctions – referring solely to “a biological woman and biological sex.”
Coughlan’s initiative gained significant traction, quickly spreading through her Instagram story. “Nearly 100k thanks to you kind and brilliant people so delighted for Not A Phase,” she stated in the accompanying post.
The Actress’s Response:
- Coughlan expressed profound dismay regarding the Supreme Court’s decision, describing it as “stomach-churning and disgusting” – a sentiment echoed by her condemnation of those celebrating the ruling.
- “And to see people celebrating it is more stomach-churning and disgusting,” she emphasized.
Driven by a desire to amplify support, Coughlan pledged to match donations up to £10,000, urging widespread advocacy. “Now is the time to speak up and make your voice heard and let your trans and non-binary friends and the community at large know that you’re there for them.”
Reactions and Controversy:
The ruling ignited significant debate, with author J.K. Rowling actively celebrating the decision on social media. Rowling’s celebratory posts – featuring images of herself enjoying a cigar and champagne – were swiftly criticized by Coughlan.
“Keep your new Harry Potter lads. Wouldn’t touch it with a ten foot pole,” Coughlan wrote in response, suggesting Rowling’s reaction represented “a new low.”
Furthermore, Coughlan directly challenged the notion that this ruling inherently benefits cisgender women, stating, “I have never been made feel unsafe by a trans person in my life. The only people I’ve been made feel unsafe by are cis people.”
Supreme Court Context:
During the Supreme Court proceedings, Lord Hodge clarified the court’s interpretation of the legislation, stating, “Our role is to ascertain the meaning of the legislation which parliament has enacted to that end.” He emphasized that the central question – whether “woman” and “sex” in the Equality Act 2010 refer to biological women or trans women with gender recognition certificates – ultimately concluded with the court upholding the definition as referring to “a biological woman and biological sex.”
Lord Hodge stressed this decision was not a conflict between societal groups, asserting that it wasn’t a “triumph of one or more groups in our society at the expense of another.”
