A Scottish lesbian group, known as The Fantastic Lesbians, has publicly criticized actress Olivia Colman for her recent comments regarding gender identity. Colman, while promoting her upcoming film *Jimpa*, stated she has always identified as “non-binary” and remarked, “I’ve always described myself to my husband as a gay man.” Her remarks have been described as “deeply painful” by the group, who expressed their concerns in a public letter on social media.
Colman’s Background and Recent Comments
Olivia Colman, 52, is an Oscar-winning actress celebrated for her role as Queen Anne in *The Favourite*. She has been married to Ed Sinclair for over 25 years. In her comments, Colman shared her feelings of never having felt entirely aligned with traditional femininity, stating, “I’ve never felt massively feminine in my being female.”
Response from The Fantastic Lesbians
The Fantastic Lesbians responded to Colman’s remarks, emphasizing the struggles faced by those in the LGBTQ+ community. In their letter, they noted that when a person who has lived as heterosexual identifies as gay, it can be damaging to those who have endured the complexity of living as LGBTQ+.
Key Points from the Letter
- The group mentioned that sexuality for many is a journey characterized by fear and alienation.
- They argued that heterosexuality exists within an affirming framework, unlike the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals.
- The letter concluded with an assertion that they wish to express their hurt, not to attack or accuse Colman.
Implications of Colman’s Statements
The backlash highlights ongoing discussions about identity and representation within the LGBTQ+ community. The group stressed that being gay often requires courage and resilience, contrasting this with the societal acceptance typically afforded to heterosexual individuals.
Colman’s Upcoming Film Project
Colman stars in *Jimpa*, where she plays a mother accompanying her non-binary child (played by Aud Mason-Hyde) to meet their gay father (John Lithgow) in Amsterdam. The film explores themes of identity and family dynamics in contemporary settings.
Conclusion
As the conversation regarding gender identity continues, Colman’s remarks have ignited important discussions about representation, belonging, and the complexities of LGBTQ+ experiences. The responses from groups like The Fantastic Lesbians underscore the need for sensitivity and understanding in public discourse about these topics.
