What motivated Nicola Coughlan to launch her fundraiser for trans rights? How has she challenged J.K. Rowling’s views?
A celebrity using their fame to make a real difference. That’s exactly what Nicola Coughlan, the beloved star of Bridgerton, has done.
She’s taken a stand that’s got everyone talking, raising a huge amount of money for a cause close to her heart.
What sparked this movement, and how did it challenge one of the most famous authors in the world? Keep reading to find out.
The Nicola Coughlan Trans Rights Fundraiser
Nicola Coughlan recently raised over £125,000 for Not A Phase, a U.K. charity supporting transgender rights.
This wasn’t just a random act of kindness—it was a direct response to a controversial moment. After the U.K. Supreme Court made a ruling that limited trans women’s rights, Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling celebrated the decision online.
She posted a photo of herself on X, captioning it “I love it when a plan comes together”.
Coughlan, upset by Rowling’s reaction, decided to act. She launched a fundraiser to support trans people, calling Rowling’s stance “disgusting” and encouraging fans to join her cause.
“To see an already-marginalized community to be further attacked in law is really stomach-turning and disgusting, and these people celebrating it is more stomach-turning and disgusting,” she said in a video on Instagram.
Her efforts paid off. In just a short time, Coughlan’s fundraiser surpassed Rowling’s own £70,000 donation to anti-trans causes.
Fans and supporters flooded the campaign with donations, showing that many stood with Coughlan’s message of inclusion.
The Bridgerton star didn’t stop there—she also vowed to boycott the upcoming Harry Potter HBO series, making her position clear.
Why This Matters
Coughlan’s actions are more than just a celebrity feud. They highlight a bigger issue: the fight for trans rights in the U.K.
The Supreme Court’s ruling sparked protests and debates, with many feeling it rolled back progress for transgender people.
Coughlan’s fundraiser gave a voice to those who felt unheard. By raising such a large sum, she showed that collective action can challenge even the most powerful figures.
Not A Phase, the charity Coughlan supported, works to improve the lives of trans and gender-diverse people through advocacy and community programs.
The £125,000 will help fund their efforts, providing resources and support to those who need it most.
Fans of Bridgerton and Harry Potter alike are now talking about how celebrities can use their platforms for good.