The 26-year-old daughter of Cameroon’s long-standing President Paul Biya, Brenda Biya, has ignited a storm of reactions with an Instagram post showing her kissing Brazilian model Layyons Valença.
The caption read, “I’m crazy about you & I want the world to know,” accompanied by a love heart emoji.
In a nation where same-sex relationships are illegal and punishable by up to five years in prison, Ms. Biya’s public display of affection has stirred significant controversy.
Her father, 91-year-old Paul Biya, has been in power since 1982, making him one of Africa’s longest-ruling leaders.
Ms. Biya, who is also a musician performing under the name King Nasty, did not explicitly state her sexuality in the post. However, she later shared an article from the French newspaper Le Monde, which reported that she had “come out.”
She also reposted supportive messages from her followers.
Transgender Cameroonian activist Shakiro, who sought asylum in Belgium after being convicted of “attempted homosexuality” in Cameroon, praised Ms. Biya’s bravery.
Shakiro described the post as a potential “turning point for the LGBTQ+ community in Cameroon,” highlighting that Ms. Biya is “positioning herself as a voice for social change in a country where taboos are deeply rooted.”
Despite the praise, the post has also attracted a barrage of homophobic comments from social media users in Cameroon. Some speculate that Ms. Biya’s controversial posts, including this one, are intended to generate publicity. Questions have also arisen about whether coming out is a privilege reserved for the elite, while ordinary Cameroonians face severe repercussions.
LGBT activist Bandy Kiki commented on Facebook, “I love this for Cameroon’s First Daughter. However, it highlights a harsh reality: Anti-LGBT laws in Cameroon disproportionately target the poor. Wealth and connections create a shield for some, while others face severe consequences.”
Human rights groups have long criticized Cameroon’s strict anti-LGBT laws. In 2022, Human Rights Watch called for the repeal of the discriminatory legislation, urging the government to uphold the human rights of all Cameroonians regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Barrister Alice Nkom, a renowned human rights lawyer defending LGBT people in Cameroon, hailed Ms. Biya as a “model of courage” and lauded her for “sending an important universal message of love.”
Most media outlets in Cameroon have not reported on Ms. Biya’s post, likely due to the media regulatory body’s history of sanctioning publications and broadcasters for depictions of homosexuality. The government and President Biya have not officially commented on the incident.