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Brenda Biya, daughter of Cameroon’s long-standing President Paul Biya, has ignited a storm of reactions after sharing an intimate photo on Instagram where she is kissing Brazilian model Layyons Valença. The post, captioned “I’m crazy about you & I want the world to know,” accompanied by a love heart emoji, has stirred debate in a country where same-sex relationships are illegal and punishable by up to five years in jail.
Despite not explicitly stating her sexuality, Brenda, also known as King Nasty in her music career, later shared an article from Le Monde that described her as having “come out.” This move has been seen as potentially groundbreaking for LGBTQ+ rights in Cameroon, a nation where social taboos around homosexuality run deep.
Reacting to Brenda’s post, transgender activist Shakiro, now residing in Belgium after seeking asylum due to persecution in Cameroon, hailed her as a potential catalyst for change. Others, however, have criticized Brenda, questioning whether her privileged status shields her from the harsh realities faced by less fortunate members of the LGBTQ+ community in Cameroon.
Human rights organizations have long condemned Cameroon’s anti-LGBTQ+ laws, urging the government to repeal discriminatory legislation. Despite international calls for reform, the local media largely remains silent on Brenda’s revelation, given strict regulations and potential sanctions against any depiction of homosexuality.
As Brenda Biya’s Instagram post continues to reverberate both nationally and internationally, it prompts broader discussions about privilege, social change, and the enduring struggle for LGBTQ+ rights in Cameroon.
