Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan has taken a bold stance for trans rights, raising over £76,000 for the charity Not A Phase following a controversial ruling by the UK Supreme Court. The ruling, which declared that the legal definitions of "woman" and "sex" are based on biological sex, has sparked outrage and concern for the rights of transgender individuals across the UK.
On April 16, 2025, the Supreme Court's decision stated that transgender women could be excluded from single-sex spaces, leading to fears of increased discrimination and marginalization. The ruling came after a lengthy legal battle initiated by the gender-critical group For Women Scotland (FWS), which sought to clarify the definitions in the Equality Act 2010. Supporters of the ruling hailed it as a victory for common sense, while critics, including Coughlan, have branded it a severe setback for trans rights.
In response to the ruling, Coughlan launched her fundraiser on April 17, 2025, through an emotional Instagram video where she expressed her horror at the decision. "Like many people, I’m completely horrified by the Supreme Court’s ruling about trans people and to see an already marginalized community being further attacked in law is really stomach-churning and disgusting," she said. "And to see people celebrating it is more stomach-churning and disgusting."
The Irish actress, known for her role as Penelope Featherington in Bridgerton, urged her 6.1 million followers to support the trans community. She committed to matching donations up to £10,000, a goal that was quickly reached within the first hour of the fundraiser's launch. By the end of the day, Coughlan had personally donated €11,664 (approximately £10,000), and as of now, the total raised stands at £76,982.56.
Not A Phase, the charity benefiting from the fundraiser, aims to uplift and improve the lives of trans people across the UK. The organization issued a statement condemning the Supreme Court's ruling, emphasizing that advocacy against trans women is advocacy against equality. They noted that the most recent census found that less than 1 in 1,000 people in the UK are trans women, highlighting the need for solidarity and support for this vulnerable community.
Coughlan's efforts are part of a larger wave of celebrity support for trans rights following the ruling. Other high-profile figures have also spoken out, including Charithra Chandran, Coughlan's co-star in Bridgerton. In a viral TikTok video, Chandran asserted, "I have never felt unsafe around a trans woman, ever. My womanhood has never felt threatened by a trans woman, ever. And if your womanhood has, I think that speaks more to the fragility of your womanhood than anything about trans women."
Chandran's comments resonate with many who feel that the ruling is not only harmful to trans individuals but also undermines the broader fight for women's rights. She challenged those who claim to care about women's safety to instead focus on issues like funding for women's sports and legislation to combat sexual assault.
Following the ruling, J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series, celebrated the decision on social media, posting a photo of herself smoking a cigar with the caption, "I love it when a plan comes together." This has drawn ire from many in the LGBTQ+ community, including Coughlan, who responded to Rowling's celebration by stating, "You’re not fighting for women’s rights. You don’t speak for me. Bigotry is bigotry."
The Supreme Court's ruling has raised serious questions about the rights of trans individuals in the UK, particularly regarding access to single-sex spaces such as hospitals, refuges, and sports clubs. While the court asserted that trans people remain protected from discrimination under existing equalities legislation, the implications of this ruling are still unfolding.
The backlash against the ruling has been swift, with numerous organizations and celebrities voicing their support for trans rights. Jake Shears of the Scissor Sisters has also publicly backed Not A Phase, stating that the group is a partner for their upcoming UK tour. The outpouring of support reflects a growing recognition of the challenges faced by the trans community in light of this ruling.
As Coughlan continues her fundraising efforts, she remains committed to raising awareness and advocating for trans rights. "Now’s the time to speak up and make your voice heard," she urged her followers. "Let your trans, non-binary friends and the community at large know that you’re there for them and will keep fighting for them."
With 28 days left in the campaign, Coughlan has already set a new goal of £79,699.21, reflecting the incredible momentum and support generated by her initiative. The response to her fundraiser illustrates a collective desire to stand against discrimination and support marginalized communities in the UK.
In this critical moment, as discussions around gender identity and rights continue to evolve, the voices of allies like Coughlan and Chandran are vital in promoting understanding and advocacy for the trans community. The ongoing dialogue surrounding the Supreme Court's ruling highlights the need for continued activism and support for all individuals, regardless of gender identity.
As the fundraiser progresses, it serves as a reminder that solidarity and support can make a significant difference in the lives of those who face discrimination and marginalization. The fight for equality is far from over, and the actions taken by individuals and organizations will play a crucial role in shaping the future of trans rights in the UK.
