Olivia Colman faces criticism from Scottish lesbian group after she described herself as a 'gay man'
olivia colman has been criticised by a Scottish lesbian group after saying she identifies as a "gay man" and that she has "always felt sort of non-binary". The Fantastic Lesbians published a two-page public letter on social media calling Colman’s remarks "deeply painful" and saying they diminish the struggle of people who have lived as gay or lesbian.
Olivia Colman’s comments while promoting Jimpa
The remarks came as Colman was discussing her upcoming drama Jimpa, in which she plays a mother who travels with her non-binary child to visit a gay father in Amsterdam. Colman said she has "never felt massively feminine" in being female and that she has described herself to her husband as a "gay man, " adding that he responded, "Yeah, I get that. " She framed these reflections around a sense of feeling "sort of non-binary. "
Scottish lesbian group The Fantastic Lesbians responds
The Fantastic Lesbians criticised Colman’s comments in a two-page letter on social media, saying that when someone who has lived openly and comfortably as heterosexual speaks about identifying as gay it can be "deeply painful" for people whose lives were shaped by the realities of actually being gay or lesbian. The group argued that, for many in the lesbian and gay community, sexuality has been a journey marked by confusion, fear, self-interrogation and often alienation from family, faith communities or society.
The letter emphasised that heterosexuality exists within an inclusive heteronormative framework that is affirmed in media, celebrated in family structures and reinforced by social expectations. It noted that many heterosexual people never have to question their orientation or "come out, " and are not typically asked to justify their relationships or prove the legitimacy of their families. The group said it did not intend to accuse or attack, but wanted to express the hurt when lived experiences involving marginalisation are treated as interchangeable with those that have not. They concluded their letter by stressing that, for many, being gay has required courage, resilience and sacrifice in ways heterosexual life has not demanded.
Jimpa: story, cast and context
Jimpa is presented as a semi-autobiographical drama about queerness and parenthood. In the film Colman plays Hannah; her child Frances is non-binary and is portrayed by Aud Mason-Hyde. John Lithgow plays Jim, the gay grandfather in Amsterdam who left to pursue a free, gay life after coming out when his children were young. The story follows Hannah as Frances chooses to stay with Jim for a year in Amsterdam, forcing Hannah to reevaluate parenting beliefs and family narratives. The film’s casting and subject matter have framed much of the public conversation around Colman’s comments.
Further reactions from the film’s community
Colman’s Jimpa co-star Aud Mason-Hyde has previously criticised John Lithgow’s decision to take a role in a new Harry Potter series, calling that choice "vaguely hurtful" and "difficult. " The remarks from Mason-Hyde and the letter from The Fantastic Lesbians add layers to the public response surrounding the film and its themes.
Colman’s profile and why the exchange matters
Colman, 52, is an Academy Award winner who took the Oscar in 2018 for her portrayal of Queen Anne in The Favourite. She is widely known for playing Queen Elizabeth II in The Crown and for roles in The Father and The Lost Daughter, which earned her Oscar nominations in 2020 and 2021 respectively. She has also won awards for television work including Broadchurch, Accused and the comedy Twenty Twelve. Colman has been married to Ed Sinclair for over 25 years; other accounts note the marriage began in 2001. The combination of her profile, the personal nature of her comments about gender and sexuality, and the themes of Jimpa help explain why the exchange has prompted strong responses.
Recent updates indicate the discussion is ongoing and public reactions continue to develop.
