Olivia Colman embraces queer stories, finds connection in non-binary identity

Olivia Colman, the Academy Award-winning British actress, expressed her connection to projects such as Heartstopper as she has “always felt somewhat non-binary.”

Colman said she feels privileged to be embraced by the queer community, often finding herself with “a foot in different camps,” describing herself to her husband as a “gay man.”

The actress discussed these views during an interview with Them while promoting her film Jimpa, which follows a mother taking her non-binary child to meet their gay grandfather in Amsterdam. Directed by Sophie Hyde, the film features John Lithgow and Aud Mason-Hyde.

Colman remarked: “Throughout my life, I’ve had conversations where I’ve always felt sort of nonbinary. Please, don’t make that headline news! But I’ve never identified strongly with being female. I’ve always told my husband that I’m like a gay man. He understands and agrees.”

“I feel comfortable and at ease. I feel like I straddle different worlds. I know many people who do. I don’t often spend much time around those who are strictly heterosexual…. The men I know and love are very open to all parts of themselves.”

Regarding her draw to queer narratives, she mentioned: “It’s a community that I cherish being embraced by. The most loving and beautiful stories often come from this community. I’m truly honored to be welcomed.”

Colman’s reflections were shared as Mason-Hyde explained how they came to view Lithgow as “somewhat of a mentor” while filming Jimpa, commenting on the actor’s casting as Albus Dumbledore in the HBO Harry Potter series “feels somewhat upsetting” because of its connections to trans rights critic J.K. Rowling.

“John is not only an incredibly gifted actor but also a wonderful person to collaborate with, and I experienced that firsthand,” Mason-Hyde shared with OUT. “I never felt invalidated, questioned, or doubted in my identity or my transness by him. He was consistently a very caring and guiding co-star.”