Nicola Coughlan dismisses ‘made-up’ fears that trans women attack cis women in bathrooms

Nicola Coughlan has dismissed “made-up” fears that trans women attack cis women in bathrooms following the UK’s Supreme Court ruling on the legal definition of a woman.

The Bridgerton star and modern-day gay icon, who helped to raise more than £120,000 for trans charity Not A Phase in the wake of the ruling, has once again come out swinging for trans rights. On Monday (28 April), at the Palais des Festivals’ Canneseries, Coughlan picked up the Konbini Commitment Award for “actively making change well beyond television”, where she solidified her stance as a trans advocate.

The star denounced the “hypothesised, made-up thing about trans women attacking women in bathrooms” and called the implications of the ruling on same-sex spaces, like toilet facilities, “ridiculous because it is not something that is happening”.

The Derry Girls actress added that the only times she experienced intimidation or fear were from a “cisgender man, not a trans woman”. She said, “It really upset me to see people celebrating people’s rights being taken away, and I think there is something really wrong with that.”

The Bridgerton star was awarded with the Konbini Commitment Award at the Canneseries International Festival, where she solidified her stance on supporting trans rights. (Marc Piasecki/Getty Images)

She also called on supporters of the LGBTQ+ community to demonstrate “true allyship” and act as a “buffer” for trans and non-binary people. Coughlan said, “It’s all fun to go to Pride, wave a flag, and watch Drag Race, but are you going to be there when it is awkward and uncomfortable?

“Sometimes, you’ll be mega-attacked online, but you have to ask, ‘Do I care about that or do I care more about the people who are suffering?’, and weigh it up.”

The ruling prompted a wave of outrage from LGBTQ+ advocates, charities and celebrities. After launching a fundraising campaign in support of Not A Phase, Coughlan also hit out at the new Harry Potter TV series, which JK Rowling will serve as executive producer. 

Rowling celebrated the UK Supreme Court’s ruling that the legal definition of a woman excludes transgender women, and confirmed that she donated money to the gender-critical group that brought the case forward.

If this story has affected you, call Mindline Trans+ on Fridays 8 pm-11 pm on 0300 330 5468. For emotional support, Mindline is available 24/7 on 01823 276 892.

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