| Formation | 2020; 5 years ago (2020) |
|---|---|
| Legal status | Active |
Region served | United Kingdom |
Founders |
|
| Website | notaphase |
Not a Phase is a British charity organisation founded in 2020 byDanielle St James and Jacqui Devon. The nationwide charity aims to support and "uplift" the lives of trans and gender-diverse adults and promote education about the community.
During theCOVID-19 lockdown, Danielle St James and Jacqui Devon founded Not a Phase. The concept started when with the pair selling charitable merchandise designed by Devon sporting the titular phrase, with proceeds going toMermaids. The initiative received support fromVictoria Beckham and formed a partnership withMissguided.[1] From there, Not a Phase developed into a "fully established charity" in its own right, with St James describing the project as constantly evolving to meet the current needs of the community.
By 2023, Not a Phase had opened eight locations around the UK, providing a variety of services and "peer support, guidance and resources" to trans and gender-diverse adults.[2] In 2021, Not a Phase launched the fitness programme Misfits created by trustee Alix Maddison Anson-Jones.[3][4][5]
In 2023, Not a Phase collaborated with fashion designersFiorucci,Christopher Kane,Gareth Pugh, andDaniel W. Fletcher on six t-shirts to raffle.[6] Max Balegde hosted a Not a Phase fundraiser event at theClapham Grand in November featuring the likes ofCaity Baser,Claudia Kariuki,Bailey J Mills andAnthony Lexa.[7] Not a Phase were awarded aPride in London Unity Fund.[8] In 2024, the charity became a beneficiary of theMighty Hoopla's Pink Noise foundation.[9]
Amid the re-election of Donald Trump in the U.S. in 2024, American sponsors began pulling back from supporting charities like Not a Phase. The organisation set up a funding appeal on 11 April 2025, shortly after forming a partnership withSephora UK.[10] In response the UK Supreme Court ruling on the definition of woman in the Equality Act just a few days later, Not a Phase received a significant boost in funds and visibility, with actressNicola Coughlan sharing a fundraiser for the organisation on her Instagram page.[11][12] SingerJake Shears announced his bandScissor Sisters would partner with Not a Phase for their upcoming tour.[13]
Ahead ofLondon Trans+ Pride 2025,Ian McKellen is hosting a reading ofTwelfth Night featuring an all trans and non-binary ensemble, the proceeds of which will go to Not a Phase.[14]