PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOM EMMERSON
SPECIAL THANKS TO SUNNI LEKH AT SATELLITE414

FLO might need to add another ‘A’ to the title of their debut album because, as the tenacious trio tells GAY TIMES, “we’re allies, babe!”. With their future top five-peaking album Access All Areas (deserves number-one), Stella Quaresma, Jorja Douglas and Reneé Downer made sure to honour their LGBTQIA+ fans with a little assistance from Wicked star Cynthia Erivo, who invites “ladies, gentlemen and those who don’t subscribe to either” to enjoy their much-needed brand of “bad bitch replenishment”. “It was very important,” Stella says of the inclusive, intergalactic intro. “We welcome everyone. It’s like a family and we love and support everyone.” (Allies? Check!)

Executive produced by pop genius MNEK, Access All Areas has been released to widespread critical acclaim for the trio’s insane harmonies and chemistry, as well as their modern spin on girl groups while simultaneously paying homage to legendary acts like Destiny’s Child, TLC and SWV. If that wasn’t enough, FLO continued to gag the rainbow people when they released an extended version, sub-titled Unlocked, with remixes from R&B divas (and gay favourites) Bree Runway, Kehlani and Chloe x Halle.

Read ahead for our full interview with FLO, where they discuss their love for the LGBTQIA+ community, the absolute slayage of their GloRilla-assisted single ‘In My Bag’ and which beloved album track they have major “plans” for. Bonus: Stella, Jorja and Renée also name their favourite girl group smashers of all time.

GAY TIMES: Girls, this album is insane. It’s called Access All Areas, so, who’s allowed in? Who’s getting express entry? And who’s not allowed in? Who are you telling to bog off?

Stella: It’s funny because, even the people you think shouldn’t be allowed in, are allowed in because they need to listen and know what’s up.

Jorja: Yeah, there’s no list! That’s the purpose of the album. We have to let everyone in. They have to see all the sides of FLO; the good, the bad and the ugly.