Olivia Colman: why olivia colman was criticised by Scottish lesbian group
olivia colman has drawn criticism from a Scottish lesbian group after describing herself as a "gay man" while promoting her upcoming film Jimpa. The Fantastic Lesbians called the remarks "deeply painful" in a two-page letter shared on social media.
Olivia Colman and 'gay man' comment
The actress made the comments while promoting Jimpa and in a separate interview on 10 February said she had "always felt sort of non-binary" and had "never felt massively feminine. " In that interview Colman said: "I've always described myself to my husband as a gay man. And he goes, 'Yeah, I get that. ' So I do feel at home and at ease. " She also said: "Throughout my whole life, I've had arguments with people where I've always felt sort of non-binary" and warned: "Don't make that a big sort of title!"
The Fantastic Lesbians' response
Members of the Scottish lesbian support group The Fantastic Lesbians responded with a two-page letter on social media published on Wednesday. The group said Colman's comments "diminished [their] struggle" and described the remarks as "deeply painful. " A spokesperson for the group wrote that when someone "who has lived openly and comfortably as heterosexual speaks about identifying as gay, it can be deeply painful for those whose lives have been shaped by the realities of actually being gay or lesbian. "
What Colman said on 10 February
Speaking on 10 February, Colman described feeling that she had "a foot in various camps, " adding: "I know many people who do. " She explained aspects of her relationship with her husband Ed Sinclair, saying: "I think with my husband and I, we take turns to be the 'strong one, ' or the one who needs a little bit of gentleness. I believe everyone has all of it in them. " The actress has been married to Ed Sinclair since 2001 and has been married for over 25 years, and she went viral earlier this month after her remarks attracted attention online.
Jimpa: cast and synopsis
Jimpa, described in promotional material as an upcoming film, explores the dynamics of a family with multiple queer members. The film also stars John Lithgow and Kate Box. Colman plays Hannah, who travels to Amsterdam with her non-binary daughter, Frances, to visit their gay grandfather, Jimpa. The synopsis notes that when Frances expresses a desire to stay with Jimpa for a year abroad, Hannah is forced to "reconsider her parenting beliefs and the stories she has long told about her family. "
Group's wider argument and Colman's career
The Fantastic Lesbians' letter argued that "for many people in the lesbian and gay community, sexuality has not simply been a label but a journey marked by confusion, fear, self-interrogation, and often profound alienation from family, faith communities or societies at large. " It continued: "Heterosexuality, in contrast, exists within an inclusive heteronormative framework. It is affirmed in media, celebrated in family structures, and reinforced by social expectations. " The group highlighted that "many heterosexual people never have to question their orientation" or "come out, " and that "they are not typically asked to justify their relationships or prove the legitimacy of their families. " They concluded the letter by saying their intention was "not to accuse or attack" but to "express the hurt" and warned that "for many, being gay has required courage, resilience, and sacrifice in ways that heterosexual life simply has not demanded. "
Colman is 52 years old. She won an Academy Award in 2018 for her portrayal of Queen Anne in The Favourite and has Oscar nominations for The Father in 2020 and The Lost Daughter in 2021. She is also known for playing Queen Elizabeth II in The Crown and has won BAFTAs for her roles in Broadchurch, Accused and the comedy Twenty Twelve. Her representatives have been contacted for comment.
Members of The Fantastic Lesbians and Colman's public remarks have prompted debate about identity language and lived experience following her comments while promoting Jimpa.
