In brief
At 80, Alice Nkom persists in her defense of LGBTQ+ rights in Cameroon despite personal risks and governmental opposition. As the founder of the Redhac NGO, she highlights the urgency for legal reform concerning the ostracization and imprisonment of sexual minorities, embodying hope for many who have suffered injustice.
Amidst a climate of hostility and discrimination, Alice Nkom, an 80-year-old trailblazer, dedicates her life to advocating for LGBTQ+ rights in Cameroon. As the leader of Redhac, a human rights NGO, she faces ongoing persecution from government authorities, including threats and accusations of financial misconduct, which she firmly denies. Nkom's commitment stems from a strong belief that everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, deserves legal protection and dignity. Working from her office in Douala, Nkom has unequivocally stated, "I will always defend homosexuals...They are thrown into prison like dogs." Despite a penal code that imposes severe penalties for homosexuality, Nkom courageously strives to expand basic human rights protections to this marginalized group. Her unwavering resolve has transformed her into a maternal figure for many in the LGBTQ+ community who have faced rejection from their families. Describing her as a protector and advocate, Augustin, an LGBT activist, referred to Nkom as a parental figure who has provided refuge to those facing societal ostracization. Born in 1969 as the first black female lawyer in Cameroon, Nkom’s journey into LGBTQ+ advocacy began after a chance encounter with individuals detained for homosexuality. This moment sparked her commitment to fighting for their rights, leading her to establish the Association for the Defence of Homosexuality (Adefho) in 2003.Her legal battles are not without peril. The case of widely known transgender activist Shakiro, who, alongside a companion, was sentenced to five years in prison simply for dining together, exemplifies Nkom's ongoing struggle against a system that seems intent on silencing marginalized voices. The chilling legal landscape in Cameroon has only worsened, exacerbated by songs inciting violence against LGBTQ+ individuals that have gained notoriety.Amid these challenges, Nkom found glimmers of hope when Brenda Biya, daughter of Cameroon’s president, publicly embraced her identity as a lesbian. Nkom sees this as an opportunity to engage with influential figures to advocate for reform in LGBTQ+ rights and has publicly called on Biya to leverage her platform for the community's benefit.Despite the threats, humiliations, and challenges ahead, Alice Nkom remains steadfast in her mission, viewing every effort to restrict her work as simply another obstacle in a long-standing battle that champions the equality of all citizens. Her relentless dedication marks her not only as a defender of the LGBTQ+ community but as a fierce advocate for human rights in Cameroon.
