Nicola Coughlan has voiced her support for trans and non-binary people, following the UK Supreme Court’s ruling to exclude transgender women from the definition of ‘woman’ under the Equality Act 2010.
In a video posted on Instagram, the 38-year-old said she was “completely horrified by the Supreme Court’s ruling”, adding, “To see an already marginalised community being further attacked in law is really stomach-churning and disgusting.”
The case was brought to the Supreme Court by the gender-critical campaign group ‘For Women Scotland’, which is supported by J.K. Rowling, after the Scottish courts rejected their argument that the Equality Act’s definition of women refers only to those who are born biologically female.
Following the judgement, campaigners popped champagne outside the courtroom, while the Harry Potter author posted a photo of herself drinking a cocktail and smoking a cigar by the sea.
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In her video, Nicola continued, “To see people celebrate it is more stomach-churning and disgusting.” In response, she’s starting a fundraiser for Not A Phase, a trans-led, nationwide charity committed to improving the lives of transgender adults, adding that she will match any donation up to £10,000.
“Now’s the time to speak up and make your voice heard,” she continued, “Let your trans, non-binary friends and the community at large know that you’re there for them and we’ll keep fighting for them.”
She further appealed to allies of the transgender community, writing in her caption, “Allies of the Trans and Non-Binary Community, time to come together.
“F*ck the Supreme Court, f*ck the TERFs. Let’s raise some money.”
In response to the judgment, a spokesperson for the UK government said, “We have always supported the protection of single-sex spaces based on biological sex. Single-sex spaces are protected in law and will always be protected by this government.”
The charity Not A Phase warned that the ruling will “further marginalise an already marginalised population.” In a statement shared to Instagram, the organisation added, “Whether trans people are included or excluded in the government’s legislation, our existence can never be taken from us.”
For more from Glamour UK’s Lucy Morgan, follow her on Instagram @lucyalexxandra.