JADE Credits LGBTQ+ Community for Shaping Her Career and Success
Pop superstar JADE has doubled down on her unwavering support for the LGBTQ+ community, revealing that she believes the vast majority of her success is “down to the gays.”
Speaking on By The Way…With Harriet Rose, hosted by queer broadcaster Harriet Rose, the “Angel of My Dreams” singer reflected on the deep influence LGBTQ+ people have had on both her life and career.
‘I Owe A Lot To Them’
When asked about the importance of her queer fanbase, JADE - born
Jade Thirlwall - didn’t hesitate.
Jade Thirlwall - didn’t hesitate.
“It means everything to me,” she said. “I’d say 80 per cent of my success is down to the gays.”
She explained that her gratitude extends far beyond ticket sales or streaming numbers.
“Not even just from a fan-based perspective — my team around me, the people I grew up with, the people in my life when I moved to London, my close friends.”
The singer went on to say she has been “literally shaped” by LGBTQ+ people, crediting them with helping her grow both personally and creatively.
“They’ve taught me so much. They’ve made me a better artist. I would not be where I am today were it not for people from that community.”
From Little Mix To Solo Stardom
JADE has been a vocal LGBTQ+ ally since her time in Little Mix, but her advocacy has become even more visible since launching her solo career in 2024.
At Mighty Hoopla in 2025, she made headlines after leading a chant against J.K. Rowling, who has become widely associated with so-called “gender-critical” views.
Before performing “FUFN (F*** U For Now),” JADE encouraged the crowd to chant in response to items on her tongue-in-cheek “F*** you” list - including the Harry Potter author.
‘I Can’t Sit Back’
In a 2025 interview with Stylist Magazine, JADE addressed the increasingly hostile climate facing trans people and why she refuses to stay silent.
“We’re seeing an attack on the trans community, and I have a very big LGBTQ+ fanbase. I can’t sit back and not be vocal about defending that community. I’m happy to pay the consequences if it means doing the right thing.”
Her activism, she says, is partly informed by her Yemen-Egyptian heritage and her own experiences of feeling “othered.”
“When you’ve grown up a minority, you understand that feeling — whether that’s being a misfit or being othered. You don’t wish that on other people.”
She added that speaking up feels instinctive:
“I’ve always been the type to pipe up if something doesn’t feel right.”
That’s Showbiz, Baby
JADE released her debut solo album, That’s Showbiz Baby, in 2025, followed by deluxe edition The Encore later that year.
She is currently touring North America before heading to Europe, marking a new chapter in a career she says was built - in large part - by LGBTQ+ fans and creatives.
As she put it simply:
“Even without the allyship aspect of it, I just owe a lot to them.”
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