Little Mix took quite a stance over the weekend.
While performing in Dubai — a country where homosexuality is still outlawed — the girl group lit up the stage with a giant rainbow flag image during their single “Secret Love Song.”
The song has often been considered an LGBTQ-themed song by fans, as it centers around the concept of two lovers who are unable to be seen together in public, and instead have to express their affection behind closed doors and in private moments.
The image of the flag faded in and out over the course of the song, but was fairly prominent for the majority of it.
While some people thought it was disrespectful to not respect the culture of the country they were visiting, many praised Little Mix for taking a supportive stance for their LGBTQ fans.
None— del \u262d blm (@del \u262d blm) 1553627246
\u201canyway im just about to cry imagining all the closeted queer kids in dubai\u2019s audience who aren\u2019t allowed to be open about who they are seeing a pride flag displayed on a massive stage during secret love song i love little mix\u201d— neonfiona \ud83c\udf31 (@neonfiona \ud83c\udf31) 1553483908
\u201cCAN I JUST STRESS THAT MY COUNTRY IS HOMOPHOBIC AND BEING GAY IS ILLEGAL AND PUNISHABLE AND LITTLE MIX JUST. I THINK I RIPPED A VOCAL CORD WHEN I SAW THE PRIDE FLAG IM STILL SHAKING\u201d— N \ud83c\udf3c (@N \ud83c\udf3c) 1553370142
\u201cLittle mix singing secret love song with a big rainbow flag on the big screen behind them in Dubai, where being gay is illegal screams the same energy as when Harry waved the rainbow flag in Singapore when he was told not to by securities. Both radiate big dick energy!!\u201d— Nica (@Nica) 1553369364
No matter how you look at it, it was a bold move, and one that certainly sends a message of love and inclusion to their LGBTQ fans not just in Dubai, but in any country that still has such outdated laws and views regarding sexuality. We stan.
You can watch the full video of the performance below—
