Jade Thirlwall Leads Protest Against JK Rowling at Mighty Hoopla Festival in Support of Trans Rights

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Jade Thirwall Leads Anti-J.K. Rowling Chant at LGBTQ+ Festival, Amplifying Trans Rights Support

Jade Thirlwall, the 32-year-old former Little Mix star, made headlines at London’s LGBTQ+ festival Mighty Hoopla on Saturday by leading thousands in a chant targeting author J.K. Rowling. During her performance, Thirlwall sang her new track *FUFN (F** You For Now), directing the song’s defiant lyrics toward Rowling, a figure embroiled in controversy over her views on transgender rights.

As the crowd roared, Thirlwall shouted, “Transphobes!” to which attendees responded, “F** you!” She then singled out the Harry Potter* author, chanting “J.K. Rowling,” prompting the audience to repeat the expletive-laden refrain. A clip of the moment, shared online, was captioned, “Jade, the legend you are!”

Rowling’s Stance and Legal Battles
Rowling has repeatedly denied accusations of transphobia but has been vocal about her stance on gender identity. In 2023, she stated she would “happily” face jail rather than use preferred pronouns for transgender individuals. Her advocacy includes funding organizations opposing transgender inclusion in women’s spaces, such as her “Women’s Fund,” which supports legal battles against trans rights.

The author’s comments have sparked backlash, particularly her assertion that “nothing I can say about… trans activism is half as persuasive as what trans activists say themselves.” This follows a landmark UK Supreme Court ruling in 2023 that defined “woman” under the Equality Act as strictly biological, a decision Rowling celebrated as a victory for women’s rights.

Thirlwall’s Advocacy and Upcoming Projects
Thirlwall, a longtime LGBTQ+ ally, received the Gay Times Allyship Award in 2021 and was nominated for a 2024 Celebrity Ally Award. She recently signed an open letter supporting transgender rights alongside artists like Charli XCX and Dua Lipa, following the Supreme Court ruling. At her BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend performance, she wore a dress in trans pride colors, reinforcing her solidarity.

The singer also teased her debut solo album, THAT’S SHOWBIZ BABY!, set for release on September 12, and announced a UK/Ireland tour starting in October. She emphasized her commitment to activism, stating, “I’m happy to pay the consequences if it means doing the right thing.”

A Clash of Ideals
The festival clash underscores the ongoing cultural divide over transgender rights. While Rowling frames her stance as protecting women’s spaces, Thirlwall and allies argue for inclusivity. As debates continue, Thirlwall’s unapologetic advocacy positions her as a prominent voice in the LGBTQ+ community, even as Rowling’s influence remains potent.

(Note: Imagery referenced in the original article included Thirlwall performing at Mighty Hoopla, Rowling celebrating the Supreme Court ruling, and Thirlwall’s trans pride outfit at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend.)

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