In brief
Alice Nkom, an 80-year-old Cameroonian lawyer and human rights advocate, stands firmly against persecution of the LGBT community in her country, enduring threats and legal challenges while working to change discriminatory laws.
Veteran lawyer Alice Nkom, at 80 years of age, is unwavering in her commitment to defending LGBT rights in Cameroon, despite facing threats, humiliation, and governmental opposition. The founder of Redhac, a human rights NGO, Nkom has recently encountered further obstacles as her organization was suspended and she faces allegations of money laundering and support for terrorist groups, all of which she refutes.Nkom asserts that her legal advocacy has placed her directly in the crosshairs of authorities displeased with her support for the LGBT community. Speaking passionately from her office in Douala, she emphasizes, "I will always defend homosexuals because they risk their freedom every day... I don't see why I would say I'm defending everyone except homosexuals."Under Cameroonian law, individuals engaged in homosexual acts can face imprisonment of up to five years along with significant fines, leading many in the LGBT community to live in fear, often shunned by their families and society at large. In this climate of oppression, Nkom has earned a parental reputation among those ostracized for their sexuality, as many see her as their guardian in a world that constantly threatens their existence.As the first black woman to practice law in Cameroon, Nkom's journey into LGBT rights began in 2003 when an encounter with jailed youth for homosexuality ignited her drive for justice. She founded the Association for the Defence of Homosexuality (Adefho), taking on numerous cases, including that of transgender celebrity Shakiro, who was sentenced for "attempted homosexuality."Yet, the environment for LGBT individuals has exacerbated, culminating last year in a song inciting violence against homosexuals circulating widely across the country. Activist Sébastien shares the dire reality of daily threats as LGBT individuals work to conceal their identities amid rising aggression.Nkom hoped that the public coming out of Brenda Biya, daughter of the Cameroonian president, would catalyze legislative change; however, no tangible reforms have yet materialized. Nkom remains resolute, asserting that the fight for LGBT rights is far from over, viewing recent challenges as mere hurdles in her continued advocacy since 2003. She persists in her belief that fundamental rights must be protected, promising to continue her essential work regardless of the risks involved.
