In brief
Facing personal and professional dangers, Alice Nkom remains steadfast in her commitment to defending the rights of the LGBT community in Cameroon. As the founder of NGO Redhac, she has devoted over two decades to legal advocacy, enduring government opposition, societal ostracism, and threats to her safety.
Cameroon’s veteran lawyer Alice Nkom is standing strong in her battle for LGBT rights, undeterred by the harsh realities that accompany her cause. Despite facing public vilification, threats, and humbling experiences, this determined 80-year-old attorney maintains that she will continue to fight for the rights of homosexuals in a country where they are regularly imprisoned for their sexual orientation.Nkom, who leads the human rights NGO Redhac, finds herself under investigation for alleged money laundering and terrorism financing—charges she categorically denies. The government’s efforts to silence her have intensified, which she perceives as a direct attack on her legal advocacy for the LGBT community. "I will always defend homosexuals because they risk their freedom every day, and they are thrown into prison like dogs," she states resolutely.Having been the first black female lawyer in the country since 1969, Nkom's journey has been both remarkable and perilous. The Cameroon penal code imposes up to five years in prison for those convicted of homosexual activity, leading to significant societal stigma against the LGBT community. Nkom serves as a surrogate parent to many who have been disowned by their families for their sexual identity, providing both legal support and emotional refuge.Her commitment to human rights is evident as she argues that sexual orientation discrimination should be recognized as a fundamental violation of rights under the constitution. The environment for LGBT individuals has continued to deteriorate, as highlighted by the recent release of a song promoting violence against them. Despite the dangers, Nkom has found inspiration in Brenada Biya, the daughter of President Paul Biya, who has publicly identified as a lesbian. Nkom hopes this visibility could trigger meaningful change within the legal framework.Proactively, Nkom plans to challenge the legislation opposing homosexuality by leveraging Biya’s position as a social precedent. Yet, her mission is not without challenges, as recent setbacks have only strengthened her resolve. "Each obstacle makes me more determined to continue this fight," she emphasizes, affirming that the struggle for justice and equality will persist as long as she is able to advocate for those who cannot stand up for themselves.
