Alice Nkom: The Brave Defender of LGBT Rights in Cameroon

Alice Nkom, an outspoken lawyer and human rights advocate in Cameroon, is unwavering in her commitment to defending the rights of homosexual individuals despite facing serious threats and legal challenges from the authorities.

In Cameroon, where homosexuality is criminalized, 80-year-old lawyer Alice Nkom stands as a formidable champion for the rights of the LGBT community, despite being subjected to public humiliation and threats. As the head of the human rights NGO Redhac, which has recently faced government suspension, Nkom is set to answer accusations of money laundering and supporting terrorism—charges she firmly denies. She attributes her legal troubles to her advocacy for the LGBT community, stating, "I will always defend homosexuals because they risk their freedom every day, and they are thrown into prison like dogs."

Nkom, who became Cameroon’s first black female lawyer in 1969, is a voice of reason in a nation where both same-sex relations are punishable by imprisonment and social ostracism is pervasive. Her commitment extends beyond legal representation; she has become a surrogate guardian for many within the LGBT community, offering both support and protection. An activist known as Sébastien describes her as both mother and father, saying, “She’s the mother we find when our families have abandoned us.”

The Cameroonian penal code imposes harsh penalties for sexual relations between individuals of the same sex, fostering an environment where those who identify as LGBT live in fear of persecution. Nkom believes that laws restricting sexual orientation rights violate fundamental human rights as stipulated by both international and national constitutions. She asserts, "You shouldn't jail fundamental rights... you should protect them," emphasizing the moral imperative to stand against discrimination.

Her journey into LGBT rights advocacy began in 2003 after witnessing young individuals being prosecuted for homosexuality. This sparked her establishment of the Association for the Defence of Homosexuality (Adefho), through which she has taken on numerous legal cases, including that of high-profile transgender individuals convicted of "attempted homosexuality."

Unfortunately, the situation for LGBT individuals in Cameroon continues to deteriorate. Sébastien noted a recent song that incites violence against homosexuals is gaining popularity and exacerbating the threat they face. Despite this, Nkom remains undeterred. Inspired by social advancements, such as Cameroonian President Paul Biya's daughter, Brenda Biya, publicly identifying as a lesbian, she views this as a potential turning point. Nkom is optimistic that such visibility can provide a legal framework for challenging oppressive laws, actively calling on Brenda Biya to advocate for the LGBT community.

Despite the mountains of adversity, including threats to her safety that have previously led her to hire bodyguards, Nkom is resolute. “This latest obstacle won't stop me,” she insists, exhibiting the courage and determination that has characterized her three-decade fight for justice. Her legacy serves as a beacon of hope and resistance, rallying those who seek equality in a challenging environment.