Brenda Biya’s Bold Revelation Sparks Hope and Backlash in Cameroon

By T.N. Berinyuy

Bamenda, Cameroon — Brenda Biya, the openly lesbian daughter of President Paul Biya, has ignited a firestorm of controversy with her recent declaration of sexual orientation. The 27-year-old, who splits her time between the United States and Switzerland, revealed her truth in an Instagram post on June 30. While some hail her courage as an opportunity for LGBTQ+ rights advocacy, others demand her prosecution under Cameroon’s penal code, which criminalizes same-sex relations.

A Courageous Stand

In an exclusive interview with French newspaper Le Parisien, Brenda Biya shared her journey. “I hadn’t come out to my family before publicly posting a photo of me kissing my girlfriend,” she said. “There are plenty of people in the same situation as me who suffer because of who they are. If I can give them hope, help them feel less alone, if I can send love, I’m happy.” After this incident, Alice Nkom, a tireless advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, spoke passionately about Brenda Biya’s revelation. “Brenda’s courage is a beacon of hope,” she said. “We’ve fought for years to change discriminatory laws. Her coming out could be the catalyst we need to repeal Article 347-1 and grant equal rights to all.”

Her father, President Paul Biya, has led Cameroon for four decades but has remained silent on the matter. Brenda hopes her revelation will lead to legislative change, challenging the existing ban on same-sex relations.

Legal Persecution and Uproar

Cameroon’s penal code imposes up to five years in prison for same-sex relations. Brenda’s bold step has intensified attacks against the LGBTQ+ community. Human rights activists, including Alice Nkom, believe her courage could pave the way for repealing Article 347-1 of the Penal Code.

Violent Reprisal

In the wake of Brenda Biya’s announcement, 11 LGBTQ+ individuals organized a small celebration, hoping for improved freedoms. Tragically, the party was leaked, leading to a brutal public reprisal. On July 6, 2024, seven assailants stormed the party ground in the Rendezvous neighborhood of Mankon, Bamenda II, North West Region, Cameroon. Without concrete evidence of gay sex, they targeted attendees who were merely dressed up, accusing them of violating superstitious and spiritually evil norms.

The victims, beaten and traumatized, now live in hiding. They lack access to health facilities, psychosocial support, and legal assistance. Some lost official identification documents and money during the incident. Some local organizations have engaged and are working tirelessly to provide urgent aid, but financial support remains a challenge.

There have been backlash both on social media and the community as many are enraged. When the Uncle Ne Newspaper interviewed, Ambe Joseph a resident of Rendez Vous Neighborhood he could not hide his feelings as he said:  “This is an abomination! Our traditions and beliefs condemn such behavior. Brenda Biya’s actions have brought shame upon our nation. We won’t tolerate this perversion.” Also talking to another community member Immaculate Bih, one of the residents who witnessed the beating of the LGBTQ+ community members said: “a local resident, expressed her disapproval: “I don’t understand why they can be practicing homosexuality in our neighborhood, I use to think that is done in the Whiteman’s country, they want to corrupt our children. Our society has norms, and they’re violating them, we can never accept that, they are lucky they were not all killed, look at my children, …what do they want to teach them?.”

Landry Talla, NWADO Outreach Officer, he emphasized the urgency: “Our hearts go out to the victims of the violent reprisal. NWADO condemns any form of discrimination.” Brenda Biya’s revelation has sparked both support and backlash. As Cameroon grapples with its stance on human rights, and respects the rights of all individuals, the struggle continues. The hope lies in courageous individuals like Brenda, who risk everything to challenge the status quo and pave the way for a more inclusive future.