Dj Vnyash
Cameroon’s president’s daughter, Brenda Biya, has publicly come out as a lesbian, expressing hope that her revelation will contribute to overturning the country’s ban on same-sex relationships. In an interview with Le Parisien, Brenda, 27, shared that her decision to post a photo kissing Brazilian model Layyons Valença on Instagram was not pre-discussed with her family. She criticized Cameroon’s longstanding anti-gay law, calling it unjust, and expressed a desire for her story to prompt legal change.
President Paul Biya, who has governed since 1982, and First Lady Chantal Biya reportedly reacted by urging Brenda to delete the post, with subsequent silence from them. Brenda disclosed that she had been in a relationship with Layyons for eight months, visiting Cameroon together discreetly. Despite mixed reactions to her announcement, Brenda received support and negative feedback, emphasizing her intention to inspire others facing similar challenges.
However, critics question whether Brenda’s ability to come out without severe consequences highlights a privilege not afforded to many in Cameroon, where anti-LGBT laws are rigorously enforced, carrying penalties of up to five years in prison. While human rights groups applaud Brenda’s bravery, there are concerns about disparities in how these laws affect different socio-economic groups.
Silverio Omari
