Olivia Colman criticised by Scottish lesbian group over 'gay man' comment

olivia colman has drawn criticism from a Scottish lesbian support group after saying she describes herself to her husband as a "gay man" and that she has "always felt sort of non-binary" while promoting her new film Jimpa. The Fantastic Lesbians published a two-page letter on social media calling the remarks "deeply painful" and saying they diminished the struggles of lesbians and gay people.

The Fantastic Lesbians' two-page letter on social media

The Fantastic Lesbians shared a two-page response on social media that described Colman’s words as "deeply painful for those whose lives have been shaped by the realities of actually being gay or lesbian. " A spokesperson for the group said that, for many in the lesbian and gay community, sexuality has been "a journey marked by confusion, fear, self-interrogation, and often profound alienation from family, faith communities or societies at large. "

The group contrasted those experiences with what it called an "inclusive heteronormative framework, " saying heterosexuality is "affirmed in media, celebrated in family structures, and reinforced by social expectations. " The letter noted that "many heterosexual people never have to question their orientation" or "come out, " that they are not typically asked to justify their relationships or "prove the legitimacy of their families, " and that the statement was offered "not to accuse or attack" but to "express the hurt" when marginalised lived experiences are treated as interchangeable with those that have not. It concluded that "for many, being gay has required courage, resilience, and sacrifice in ways that heterosexual life simply has not demanded. "

Olivia Colman’s comments while promoting Jimpa

Olivia Colman, 52, made the remarks while promoting her upcoming drama Jimpa, saying she has "always sort of felt non-binary" and that she has "never felt massively feminine in my being female. " Colman said, "I've always described myself to my husband as a gay man. And then he goes, 'Yeah, I get that. '" She made the comments in an interview on 10 February. Colman has been married to Ed Sinclair since 2001 and has been described as married to him for over 25 years in other accounts of the remarks.

Jimpa: cast, characters and Sophie Hyde's story

Jimpa is written and directed by Sophie Hyde and is described as a semi-autobiographical exploration of queerness and parenthood. Colman plays Hannah, a wife and mother who travels with her non-binary child to Amsterdam to visit their gay grandfather, Jim, played by John Lithgow. In the film the grandfather, referred to as Jimpa, set off to pursue "a free, gay life" in the Dutch capital after coming out when his children were young, and he actively encourages his non-binary granddaughter Frances to explore the city's queer culture.

The plot follows Frances as she opts to live in the Dutch capital with her grandfather for a year, a decision that forces Hannah to reevaluate her parenting beliefs and the stories she has long told about her family. The non-binary child in the film is played by Aud Mason-Hyde; Kate Box is also listed among the film's cast.

Co-star reactions and casting remarks involving John Lithgow

Aud Mason-Hyde, a Jimpa co-star, earlier in February described John Lithgow's decision to take a role in a new Harry Potter series as "vaguely hurtful" and "difficult. " Lithgow plays the gay grandfather Jim in Jimpa and is also set to play Albus Dumbledore in the new Harry Potter adaptation. Mason-Hyde's comments about Lithgow's casting received attention separate from the open letter responding to Colman's gender remarks.

Colman's career highlights and recent award history

Colman won an Academy Award in 2018 for her portrayal of Queen Anne in The Favourite. She has been nominated for Oscars for roles in The Father and The Lost Daughter. She is known for starring as Queen Elizabeth II in The Crown and has won Baftas for roles in Broadchurch, Accused and the comedy Twenty Twelve.

Publication details and timeline of coverage

One published piece on the story carried a byline from Jason Chester, assistant showbusiness editor, and was dated 16: 51 GMT 18 Feb 2026 with an update at 07: 26 GMT 19 Feb 2026. The open letter from The Fantastic Lesbians was shared on social media in response to Colman's interview and comments while promoting Jimpa.