Brenda Biya, the daughter of Cameroon’s long-serving President Paul Biya, publicly came out as a lesbian. Her announcement, which she made via an Instagram post on June 30, has sent ripples through Cameroon—a country where homosexuality is currently punishable by up to five years in prison.
Brenda, who splits her time between the United States and Switzerland, shared this personal aspect of her life by posting a photograph of herself kissing her girlfriend. This public declaration marked the first time she openly acknowledged her sexuality, as she had not previously discussed this matter with her family. In a subsequent interview with the French newspaper, Le Parisien, Brenda expressed her intention behind the announcement. She hopes her coming out can foster a sense of hope and solidarity among others in Cameroon who may be suffering due to their sexual orientation.
“The main reason behind my decision is to give hope and reduce the sense of isolation felt by many like me in Cameroon,” Brenda stated. She added, “If my coming out can send love and encourage at least a small change, I will be happy.”
This revelation comes at a significant time, given the stringent laws against same-sex relations in Cameroon. These laws have been in place long before her father took office in 1982. Brenda Biya voiced a desire to see these laws changed, suggesting that while immediate abolition might be unrealistic, a reduction in their severity, such as eliminating prison sentences, could be a first step.
The president, aged 91 and in power for over four decades, has yet to make any public comments regarding his daughter’s statement. The silence from the presidential office adds a layer of complexity to Brenda’s revelations, highlighting the potential familial and political ramifications of her announcement.
Brenda’s action has been met with support from various quarters, including Bandy Kiki, a prominent Cameroonian LGBT rights activist based in Britain. Kiki praised Brenda for affirming the existence of LGBT individuals in Cameroon but also pointed out the broader implications of such laws. “Anti-LGBT laws in Cameroon disproportionately affect the poor,” Kiki noted. She explained that while wealth and connections might protect some, others face harsh consequences without such shields.
This circumstance highlights a notable socioeconomic gap and calls into question the efficacy and equity of Cameroon’s human rights law framework. Through her personal story, Brenda Biya has brought attention to these challenges and sparked discussions about the possibility of legal reform in Cameroon and around the world.
