In brief
At 80, Alice Nkom remains a pivotal figure for the LGBT community in Cameroon, tirelessly advocating against the harsh legal landscape while facing threats and persecution.
Alice Nkom, an 80-year-old attorney from Cameroon, has dedicated her life to defending the rights of the LGBT community in a country where homosexuality is heavily persecuted. Leading the human rights NGO Redhac, which was recently suspended by the government, Nkom faces allegations of money laundering and terrorist funding—claims she vehemently denies. Despite the threats and humiliation she has endured, she remains resolute, asserting, "I will always defend homosexuals because they risk their freedom every day."Cameroon's penal code punishes same-sex relationships with up to five years in prison, creating a hostile environment for the LGBT community, often leading to ostracization and violence. In this precarious climate, Nkom has become a protector for many who have been cast out from their families for their sexual orientation. "She's like our father and our mother," says an LGBT activist who credits Nkom for her unwavering support.With a legal career that began in 1969 as the first black female lawyer in Cameroon, Nkom has long championed the rights of the marginalized. Her pivotal moment in LGBT advocacy arose in 2003 when she witnessed young individuals being prosecuted for homosexuality, igniting her fight for decriminalization. Nkom established the Association for the Defence of Homosexuality (Adefho) and has since represented many clients, including the high-profile case of transgender celebrity Shakiro, charged with “attempted homosexuality.”The legal landscape for LGBT individuals in Cameroon has only worsened in recent years. Activist Sébastien reports increased hostility, further fueled by inflammatory media, including a song promoting violence against homosexuals. Public comments from Brenda Biya, daughter of President Paul Biya, who has identified as a lesbian, have offered Nkom a potential legal avenue to challenge discriminatory laws.Despite these challenges, Nkom's resolve remains unwavering. She views recent government actions against her NGO as temporary obstacles in a lifelong fight that began in 2003. Her commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights reinforces her belief that true justice must prevail for all, and she continues her battle for the rights of those marginalized by their sexuality in Cameroon.
