The Lawyer Risking Everything to Defend LGBT Rights in Cameroon
Veteran Cameroonian lawyer Alice Nkom, 80, is steadfast in her commitment to defending the rights of LGBT individuals, despite facing public vilification, threats, and humiliation.
Her NGO, Redhac, was recently suspended by the government, and she is under investigation for alleged money laundering and funding terror groups—charges she denies.
In her Douala office, Ms. Nkom explained her unwavering stance:
“I will always defend homosexuals because they risk their freedom every day, and they are thrown into prison like dogs. My job is to defend people. I don’t see why I would say I’m defending everyone except homosexuals.” 
A Dangerous Fight for Human Rights
Cameroon’s penal code criminalizes homosexual acts with penalties of up to five years in prison and fines. This legal framework forces LGBT individuals into hiding, often leading to ostracization by families and society. Ms. Nkom, however, believes in equality for all:
“You shouldn’t jail fundamental rights, you shouldn’t repress them – you should protect them,” she insists.
Her advocacy has made her a surrogate parent to many in the LGBT community. One activist, Sébastien (not his real name), describes her as “the mother we find when our families have abandoned us.”
From Trailblazer to Advocate
Ms. Nkom became Cameroon’s first black female lawyer in 1969 at age 24. After years of representing disadvantaged clients, a pivotal moment in 2003 led her to focus on LGBT rights.
Witnessing a group of young people being prosecuted for homosexuality offended her sense of justice. This prompted her to establish the Association for the Defence of Homosexuality (Adefho).
High-Profile Cases and Ongoing Threats
One of Ms. Nkom’s most notable cases was her defense of transgender celebrity Shakiro and her friend Patricia in 2021. They were arrested and sentenced to five years for “attempted homosexuality.” Ms. Nkom decried the verdict as a clear message that “homosexuals don’t have a place in Cameroon.”
Although Shakiro and Patricia were later released on appeal and fled the country, the case underscored the harsh realities faced by LGBT individuals in Cameroon.
A Hostile Environment Worsens
The situation for LGBT people continues to deteriorate. Last year, a popular song promoting violence against homosexuals gained traction, fueling more attacks and discrimination.
Sébastien, who runs a support charity, explains, “People attack us because of this song… some people set traps to get close to us and attack us or report us to the police.”
Brenda Biya’s Public Statement Sparks Hope
A glimmer of hope emerged when Brenda Biya, the daughter of President Paul Biya, publicly identified as a lesbian last year. Ms. Nkom views this as a potential turning point:
“I’m using the Brenda case as a precedent. Now I have a case on which I can challenge the president.”
Ms. Nkom has urged Brenda to take a more active role in advocating for LGBT rights, though she has yet to receive a response.
Undeterred by Challenges
Despite physical threats and the suspension of her NGO, Ms. Nkom remains resolute in her mission. She considers these obstacles as part of her decades-long fight to decriminalize homosexuality in Cameroon.
For Alice Nkom, the battle for justice is far from over, and she continues to champion a future where all Cameroonians are treated equally, regardless of sexual orientation.
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