In a recent interview with Attitude, Perrie Edwards of Little Mix reflected on a daring moment from the group’s past that highlighted their support for the LGBTQ+ community. The incident took place during a 2019 performance in Dubai, where the members decided to fly an LGBTQ+ Pride flag on stage, despite the risk of facing legal consequences.
Edwards, now 32, recounted the experience from The Assembly: A Global Teacher Prize Concert, recalling how their management team expressed considerable concern at the time. She shared, “I remember our team stressing and everything like that. At the end of the day, we did it because we wanted to do it, and it means so much to our fans.” The singer noted that their team was apprehensive about the potential repercussions, particularly when they arrived at the airport after the performance. Nevertheless, Edwards and her bandmates adopted a defiant attitude: “We were like, ‘Oh well, let them try.'”
The singer emphasised the significant connection that Little Mix has with their LGBTQ+ fanbase. “Our LGBTQ+ fans have been such a core fanbase for so many years, and they’ve been so supportive and so incredible,” Edwards said. She described this relationship as a “two-way street,” acknowledging the dedication and passion exhibited by their fans. “They go above and beyond for us and we feel the same,” she added.
This pivotal moment held immense meaning not just for the group, but for their audience as well. Edwards stated, “It was a moment that meant so much to so many people at the time. If that was going to get us in trouble, then so be it. We didn’t really care about that. We do everything for our fans and for the people that support us.” This sense of commitment resonates strongly within the ethos of the girl group, which formed in 2011 on The X Factor.
Jade Thirlwall, another member of the group, shed further light on the situation in a previous op-ed for Metro UK. She recounted how the band had been under pressure to adhere to strict guidelines during their time in Dubai, which included abstaining from promoting anything associated with the LGBTQ+ community. Thirlwall stated, “In my mind, we either didn’t go or we’d go and make a point.”
During their performance of “Secret Love Song,” the group prominently displayed the LGBTQ+ flag on a screen behind them. Thirlwall recalled the overwhelming response from the audience, with fans visibly moved by the gesture. “The crowd went wild, I could see fans crying and singing along in the audience,” she said. Reflecting on their fears of possible arrest, she noted that the outpouring of support from fans made the apprehension worthwhile.
Little Mix’s journey as a band has not been without change. In November 2020, former member Jesy Nelson announced her departure from the group, citing a need to prioritise her mental health. Despite this shift, Edwards remarked that a future reunion involving the three remaining members — herself, Thirlwall, and Leigh-Anne Pinnock — is “100 percent” likely, though it will not include Nelson.
As Little Mix continues to navigate their evolving dynamics and address pressing social issues, their commitment to their fans and the LGBTQ+ community remains unwavering. The reflections shared by Edwards and Thirlwall serve to highlight the importance of solidarity and activism within the music industry, showcasing how artists can use their platforms to advocate for acceptance and inclusivity.
The events in Dubai serve as a significant reminder of the courage it takes to stand up for one’s beliefs, especially in an environment where doing so may invite scrutiny. Little Mix’s actions not only resonated with their fanbase but also underscored the transformative power of music as a medium for expression and change. As the group looks towards the future, their dedication to both their art and their supporters will undoubtedly continue to shape their legacy.