The Brave Step by the Daughter of Cameroon’s President to Question Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation
Brenda Biya, daughter of Paul Biya, the long-serving president of Cameroon, has lately made headlines for her sexual orientation. She hoped her revelation could affect the country’s laws against same-sex partnerships in an open interview with the French newspaper Le Parisien.
A Private Disclosure with Wide-ranging Consequences
Two weeks ago, 27-year-old Brenda posted an Instagram photo of herself kissing another lady. The caption of the photo, which featured her with Brazilian model Layyons Valença, read: “I’m crazy about you & I want the world to know.” In Cameroon, where same-sex partnerships are still considered criminal, this message caused a stir.
Brenda said in the interview that she didn’t tell her family before posting the post online. The unjust laws that existed before her father became president are something she wants to change, and she thinks her coming out is a big chance to do precisely that. One of the longest-serving leaders in Africa, her father, Paul Biya, is 91 years old and has been in power since 1982.
Being Quiet and Having Someone Root You On
After eight months of secretly seeing Layyons Valença, Brenda came clean about her relationship with Layyons, saying that she had secretly visited Cameroon three times. She is a musician currently residing abroad and has gotten both praise and criticism following her post. In spite of the criticism, she is sticking to her decision in the hopes that it would encourage and comfort people who are going through tough times because of their sexual orientation.
The first person to reach out to her following the post was her brother, who was furious that she had gone public without informing her family. Her parents then phoned to stress the importance of removing the post. Brenda said that ever since then, her parents had been silent.
Initial Difficulties and Legal Obstacles
According to Brenda, the social and legal climate of Cameroon made it difficult for her to communicate her sentiments when she had her first crush at the age of 16. Brenda’s tale is an attempt to bring light to the terrible fact that same-sex partnerships in Cameroon can lead to incarceration for up to five years.
Officials have decided not to comment because it is considered a family matter, according to a government official who spoke with the BBC; nevertheless, neither President Paul Biya nor First Lady Chantal Biya have made any public comments. On the other hand, rights organizations have praised Brenda’s disclosure as an act of bravery. But naysayers point out that not every Cameroonian can afford to come out. As LGBT activist Bandy Kiki pointed out, the wealthy and well-connected in Cameroon are able to evade the country’s anti-LGBT legislation, which disproportionately affects the poor.
Implications for Law and Society
There have been lawsuits stemming from the topic as well. A group that is in favor of the existing legislation has taken legal action by filing a complaint against Brenda with the public prosecutor. No one is immune to the rule of law, according to DDHP Movement member Philippe Nsoue, who stressed the necessity of legal action.
Brenda Biya’s daring action has certainly sparked discussions in Cameroon’s public sphere. Her experience highlights the critical need for legislative changes and the hardships endured by the LGBTQ+ community in the nation. Even though she has only just started, her courage has the potential to lead to a more tolerant and welcoming culture in Cameroon.
