In Cameroon, like many other African countries, it is illegal to have gay sex. Article 347-1 of the 2016 Penal Code prohibits sexual relations with a person of the same sex with a penalty of between six months to five years imprisonment and a fine. This law has been enforced in many ways — arrests, persecution and discrimination.
To celebrate the International Day Against Homophobia, Bi-phobia, and TransPhobia, LGBTQ+ activists in Cameroon organised a public awareness campaign against Anti-LGBTQ laws in the country.
Rights Africa reports that Alternatives—Cameroon, one of the largest and most experienced LGBTI rights organizations in Cameroon, released a video montage that traces the birth of the organization and how it evolved by overcoming major challenges while promoting tolerance and acceptance of sexual and gender minorities.
Activists, in collaboration with Humanity First Cameroon and Alternatives—Cameroon, also wrote press releases, to rebuke the violence and human rights violations that LGBTI people face in Cameroon.
One of the LGBTQ+ leaders in Cameroon says, “What’s essential is not always to organize a thousand activities on IDAHOTBIT day, but to be able to send a strong signal to those who perpetrate homophobic and transphobic violence in order to make them understand the frustrations we experience and the love we have to share. To break the silence is to challenge consciences.”
