The daughter of Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, Brenda Biya, has expressed hopes that the revelation of her lesbian status in public on June 30, would bring about a change to the country’s anti-homosexuality laws.
In a post on her Instagram page, the 27-year- old, who shuttles between the United States and Switzerland, shared a photo where she kissed her girlfriend.
During an interview with the French newspaper Le Parisien published on Tuesday, Brenda revealed that her family was not aware of her sexual status before her public announcement.
“There are plenty of people in the same situation as me who suffer because of who they are,’ she said. ‘If I can give them hope, help them feel less alone, if I can send love, I am happy.”, she said.
Same sex relationships in Cameroon can attract up to five years in prison.
Despite her father’s longstanding position as president since 1982, he has not made any public comment on his daughter’s revelation.
Brenda highlighted that the anti-homosexuality law had been in existence before her father became president.
She was hopeful that her openness could spark legislative changes.
‘It may be too soon for it to disappear completely but it could be less strict. We could first eliminate the prison sentence,’ she suggested.
UK-based Cameroonian LGBT rights activist Bandy Kiki, was full of praise for Brenda for her courage.
“She has affirmed the existence of LGBT people in Cameroon,’ Kiki said.
However, she pointed out the disparity in how anti-LGBT laws are enforced, noting that the wealthy and well-connected often avoid severe consequences, while the poor face harsh penalties.
Brenda Biya’s daring statement brings to the fore the continuous battles of LGBT people in Cameroon and raises expectations for future regulative change.
Source: PUNCH Online 
