Olivia Colman criticised by Scottish lesbian group over 'gay man' remark
The actress olivia colman has been criticised by a Scottish lesbian 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 film Jimpa. The group published a two-page letter on social media calling the comments "deeply painful" and saying they "diminish [their] struggle. "
The Fantastic Lesbians published a two‑page social media letter
The group, which identified itself as The Fantastic Lesbians, shared a two-page letter on social media in response to Colman's remarks. In the letter 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. "
The statement goes on to describe sexuality for many gay and lesbian people as "a journey marked by confusion, fear, self-interrogation, and often profound alienation from family, faith communities or societies at large. " The group said heterosexuality exists "within an inclusive heteronormative framework" that is "affirmed in media, celebrated in family structures, and reinforced by social expectations. "
Olivia Colman’s interview on 10 February and the phrasing that prompted backlash
Colman made the remarks while promoting the upcoming drama Jimpa and in an interview with Them on 10 February said, "Throughout my whole life, I've had arguments with people where I've always sort of felt non-binary. " She added, "I've never felt massively feminine in my being female. I've always described myself to my husband as a gay man. " Colman said her husband replied, "Yeah, I get that. "
The comments went viral earlier this month and prompted the open letter from The Fantastic Lesbians. Colman's representatives were contacted for comment.
Jimpa's story, cast and the film's creative background
Jimpa is described as a drama in which Colman plays Hannah, a mother who travels with her non-binary child Frances to visit their gay grandfather, Jim, in Amsterdam. Frances is played by Aud Mason-Hyde and Jim is played by John Lithgow. The film's writer-director is Sophie Hyde and it has been described as a semi-autobiographical exploration of queerness and parenthood.
Plot details in context note that when Frances expresses a desire to stay with Jimpa for a year, Hannah is forced to reevaluate her parenting beliefs and the stories she has long told about her family. Kate Box is also named among the cast.
Career highlights and personal details about Colman
Colman, who is 52 years old, won an Academy Award in 2018 for her portrayal of Queen Anne in The Favourite. She earned Oscar nominations for The Father in 2020 and The Lost Daughter in 2021, and she is known for playing Queen Elizabeth II in The Crown. She has won BAFTAs for roles in Broadchurch, Accused and the comedy Twenty Twelve.
Contextual accounts note that Colman has been married to her husband Ed Sinclair for over 25 years, and other references state the couple have been married since 2001.
Co-star reactions and related casting news
Earlier in February, Colman's Jimpa co-star Aud Mason-Hyde described John Lithgow's decision to take a role in a new Harry Potter series as "vaguely hurtful" and "difficult. " The context also states that Lithgow is set to play Albus Dumbledore in an HBO adaptation of the novels.
