At the heart of social debates in Cameroon is the question of the rights of LGBTQ+ people. While homosexual acts in Cameroon carry penalties of up to five years in prison, a recent event has highlighted the tensions surrounding this sensitive subject. Brenda Biya, daughter of Cameroonian President Paul Biya, recently posted a message on social media that was interpreted by many as a declaration of her sexual orientation.
Although Brenda Biya has not explicitly revealed her sexual orientation, many commenters hailed her post as a courageous act. Some have even described this publication as a possible turning point for the LGBTQ+ community in Cameroon, a country where issues related to sexuality remain taboo.
The reactions to this gesture by Brenda Biya were varied. While activists and LGBTQ+ supporters applauded his courage, others expressed homophobic views and questioned his motives. Some wonder if her position as the president’s daughter gives her a form of protection that other Cameroonians facing persecution because of their sexual orientation do not have.
LGBTQ+ activist Bandy Kiki highlighted this inequality in a social media post, highlighting the fact that anti-LGBT laws in Cameroon disproportionately penalize the most vulnerable. This social disparity reinforces the need to fight for equal rights for all citizens, regardless of their sexual orientation.
As anti-LGBT laws in Cameroon continue to generate controversy and condemnation from human rights organizations, this case highlights the need to move towards a more inclusive society respectful of diversity. The mixed reaction to Brenda Biya’s actions illustrates the challenges and issues facing the LGBTQ+ community in the country.
Faced with the international attention generated by this event, Cameroonian media have largely avoided addressing the subject, fearing the repercussions of the restrictive laws in force. Nevertheless, the case of Brenda Biya highlights the need to open dialogue on the rights of LGBTQ+ people and to fight against all forms of discrimination based on sexual orientation.