After the U.K.'s Supreme Court ruled that the "concept of sex is binary, a person is either a woman or a man," and that only cisgender women fit the legal definition of what a woman is in the country, celebs are rallying behind the organization Not a Phase.
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"The unanimous decision of this court is that the terms 'woman' and 'sex'… refer to a biological woman and biological sex," Judge Patrick Hodge, the deputy president of the Supreme Court, told the court, per NPR.
The judgment did not mention intersex people.
Hodge added that the new decision shouldn't be seen as "a triumph of one or more groups in our society at the expense of another," however, trans rights groups across the world are criticizing the ruling as an attack on trans rights.
Not a Phase is a "trans-led, nationwide charity committed to uplifting and improving the lives of trans+ adults, through awareness campaigning, social projects, and funding trans+ lead initiatives" based in the U.K.
When the Supreme Court ruling was announced, Not a Phase put out a statement on Instagram saying that "there is no doubt that the ruling will serve to further marginalize an already marginalized population."
"We want to send a clear message to members of our community: whether trans people are included or excluded in the government's legislation, our existence can never be taken from us," the statement continues.
Now, several celebrities have come out in support of the organization and are urging people to donate to it, and other similar orgs serving the trans community.
Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan recorded a video saying she is starting a fundraiser for Not a Phase, and will match donations made to the group.
"To see an already marginalised community being further attacked and attacked in law is really stomach-churning and disgusting, and to see people celebrate it is more stomach-churning and disgusting," she said.
Coughlan announced that she would match donations up to £10,000.
"If you are a cisgender person who is an ally of a trans person, I think now is the time to just speak up and make your voice heard and let your trans and non-binary friends and the community at large know that you are there for them and will keep fighting for them," she continued.
As of the writing of this post, Coughlan's fundraiser has raised over $107,000.
Others are also joining in support for the organization.
Jake Shears, of the band Scissor Sisters, also announced that the band will partner with Not a Phase for its upcoming tour.
"We want to make it really clear: Scissor Sisters stand in solidarity with our trans friends, our trans family, trans community," Shears said in a video posted to Instagram. "The decision today is super upsetting, and we recognize that it causes pain, it causes fear, and we want to send our love and unwavering support to everyone affected."
"We would like to urge our fans to show up, to step up. Visit notaphase.org. If you need resources, if you need support, but also if you are able to donate, that would be great too," he continued.
