Bridgerton’s Nicola Coughlan raises £120,000 for trans charity after UK court ruling

Nicola Coughlan’s fundraising efforts in support of Not A Phase have been crucial in maintaining the charity’s essential services.

On April 16, the UK Supreme Court delivered a significant setback to trans rights by ruling that the legal definition of a woman is grounded in biological sex.

This decision arose from a case discussing whether a trans woman with a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC) should be regarded as equivalent to a cisgender woman under the UK’s Equality Act 2010.

Following the announcement of the ruling, trans individuals, other members of the LGBTQ+ community, allies, and advocacy groups voiced their disappointment on social media—including Bridgerton actress Coughlan, according to ‘Gay Times’.

“Like many people, I’m completely horrified by the Supreme Court’s ruling about trans people. To see an already marginalized community being further attacked, and attacked in law, is really stomach-churning and disgusting. And to see people celebrate it is more stomach-churning and disgusting,” she stated in a video on her Instagram.

In response to the ruling, Coughlan launched a fundraiser for the UK-based trans charity Not A Phase and committed to matching donations up to £10,000.

“I would urge you to donate and share, and if you are a cisgender person, 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 and will keep fighting for them,” she added.

Fortunately, Coughlan’s appeal was met with significant support, as Not A Phase recently announced that the fundraiser collected £120,000.

“Just 6 days ago, @nicolacoughlan posted a fundraiser supporting Not A Phase as a mark of solidarity to the trans+ community following the Supreme Court’s ruling,” the charity shared in an Instagram post on April 23.

“We have been overwhelmed with the generosity shown with every single donation. Thank you so much to Nicola for platforming us in this way. Less than 2 weeks ago, we shared about how we’d lost almost all of our corporate funding. This fundraising period has been an absolute lifeline for our charity.”

Towards the end of their statement, the organisation noted that the fundraiser has helped sustain their support services for their “4,000 service users across the UK.”

“Thank you @nicolacoughlan for prioritising our community during this time, and thank you to every single donor for supporting this fundraiser,” they concluded.

The news was quickly celebrated in the comment section, with one person writing: “Happy to have donated for this great cause. Nicola, you queen, I am proud to call you my role model.”

Another commented: “Proud to support someone like Nicola. And proud of every fan who stood behind her and helped make it happen.”

Coughlan also shared her excitement and gratitude for the impressive fundraising achievement, writing: “So delighted so many kind people have raised so much xxxx.”

Besides the beloved Derry Girls star, the fundraiser was backed by Bridgerton star Golda Rosheuvel, Heartstopper/Agatha All Along star Joe Locke, and Scissor Sisters member Jake Shears.

For more details on how you can support Not A Phase, click here.