In brief
Alice Nkom, a pioneering lawyer in Cameroon, faces immense risks while championing the rights of the LGBT community. Despite government pushback and personal threats, her resolve to fight discrimination remains steadfast as she seeks to challenge outdated laws and protect marginalized individuals.
In Cameroon, where laws punish homosexuality with imprisonment, Alice Nkom, a trailblazing 80-year-old lawyer, stands resolute in her fight for LGBT rights. Leading the human rights organization Redhac and enduring public vilification, threats, and legal battles, Nkom is undeterred by the obstacles thrown her way. The government’s recent suspension of her NGO and accusations of money laundering are seen as strategies to stifle her advocacy.Dressed in a black gown within her Douala office, Nkom passionately declares, "I will always defend homosexuals because they risk their freedom every day." Over her two-decade career, she has become a mother figure to many in the LGBT community, often considered their protector when family and society turn against them.The country’s penal code harshly punishes both men and women for homosexual acts, yet Nkom emphasizes that fundamental rights should take precedence over oppressive laws. "You shouldn't jail fundamental rights," she states firmly, advocating for a shift in societal attitudes towards sexual orientation.Her commitment to this cause began in 2003 after witnessing a group of young individuals handcuffed and facing prosecution for homosexuality. This pivotal moment sparked her decision to establish the Association for the Defence of Homosexuality (Adefho) and fight against the persecution of sexual minorities. Nkom has since represented many clients and taken on high-profile cases, including that of celebrity Shakiro, arrested for "attempted homosexuality" while dining out.Despite the apparent dangers, Nkom continues her mission, recalling her earlier struggles where she resorted to hiring bodyguards for protection. The challenges have always been present, particularly after rising anti-LGBT sentiments were fueled by sensationalist media and music promoting violence against homosexuals.A glimmer of hope appeared when Brenda Biya, the daughter of Cameroon’s president, publicly declared herself a lesbian last year. Nkom saw this as a potential catalyst for change and hopes to use Brenda's visibility to challenge discriminatory laws. "I'm using the Brenda case as a precedent," she asserts, confident in her cause.As threats loom and the road remains fraught with peril, Alice Nkom's relentless pursuit of justice continues. Undaunted by recent government attempts to suppress her work, she maintains, "This is just another obstacle," reinforcing her lifelong commitment to advocating for the rights of those marginalized in her society.
