Human rights organization, J-FLAG has lauded Dancehall Queen Spice for her inclusion in the upcoming Pride Toronto 2022 LGBTQ Festival.

This came in light of the recent backlash that the artiste has received from other members of the dancehall fraternity such as Sizzla Kalonji and Foota Hype.

In an interview with SLEEK JAMAICA MEDIA, Director of Communications of JFLAG, Elton Johnson, noted that Spice’s inclusion in Pride is not only a step in the right direction for dancehall on the international stage, but it also gives way for other artistes in the fraternity to follow suit.

“With Spice performing at Pride in Toronto, it’s a step in the right direction as it showcases Jamaican dancehall and it gives way for other artistes in the industry to get on board as well as embrace changes.”

He further noted that over time, the once-controversial dancehall fraternity will be open to change and desist from attempting to censor artistes who choose to affiliate themselves with Pride events.

Director of Operations, Glenroy Murray, further noted that pressure should not be placed on Spice for doing her job and implores other artistes to desist in the parade of censorship.

“Spice has a family to feed, so her participation in Pride should not be seen as an issue but an opportunity for her to make her bread,” Murray said.

He further stressed that artistes like Sizzla Kalonji and Foota Hype should be more cognizant of their audience and should not discourage others from affiliating themselves with members of the LGBTQ+ Community.