Ultimate LGBTQ+ ally Jade Thirlwall expresses heartfelt thanks to LGBTQ+ fans
– 2 min read
Jade Thirlwall expressed heartfelt thanks to her LGBTQ+ fans when she picked up the Celebrity Ally of the Year Award at this year’s British LGBT Awards in London on Friday night.
The star, who goes by mononym JADE, is known for her unwavering support of LGBTQ+ rights, and has been especially vocal in recent months. In May, she led a crowd in a bold chant against JK Rowling during a performance of her single FUFN (F*ck You For Now) at Mighty Hoopla, a moment that quickly gained media attention. Rowling has faced widespread criticism for her views on trans issues, prompting many to distance themselves from her and her work.
Unable to attend the ceremony in person, Jade, whose new single Plastic Box is a certified bop, accepted the award via video link. In her speech, she expressed heartfelt gratitude to her LGBTQ+ fans, saying, “Thank you, thank you, thank you - so, so much for this award. It really does mean everything to me. I just want to say from the bottom of my heart, I truly adore the LGBTQ+ community.”
She added with a cheeky smile, “And I would personally like to thank my gay fans especially for making my jockstrap my best-selling merchandise piece - thank you so, so much.”
Last year, Jade launched a merchandise line that included jockstraps and silicone-based lubricant, further cementing her reputation for embracing and celebrating queer culture.
“My allyship is not transactional.”
Despite the humour, her message was deeply sincere. “My allyship is not transactional,” she emphasised. “It has always been incredibly important to me to be the best ally I can be and to show up for the community time and time again.”
She continued, “Now more than ever, it’s crucial for allies to speak up, stand up, and support the LGBTQ+ community - especially the trans community.”
Closing her speech, Jade said, “I’m really sorry I can’t be there tonight - I’m genuinely gutted. But congratulations to all the winners, and you have my oath, for eternity, that I will constantly strive to be the ally you deserve.”
At the end of May, at Mighty Hoopla, Jade performed her track FUFN (F*ck You For Now) and led the crowd in a call-and-response chant, calling out “performative allyship,” “homophobes,” “transphobes,” and finally, “JK Rowling”-each met with a resounding “f*ck you” from the audience and a sea of raised middle fingers.
