On March 24, 2025, Brenda Biya, daughter of Cameroon’s President, took to Instagram to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights while exposing what she describes as society’s hypocrisy in supporting the community. In her candid post, she expressed frustration over the lack of genuine acceptance, despite the public declarations of inclusivity. This came as members of her father’s ruling CPDM party were celebrating the party’s 40th anniversary and calling on the 92-year-old to stand again after 43 years in power.
Frustration Over Superficial Support
Brenda Biya voiced her disappointment, stating that while many countries and individuals outwardly promote LGBTQ+ acceptance, deep-seated discrimination persists. She criticized the inconsistency between public encouragement and private prejudice, highlighting the harsh reality that LGBTQ+ individuals still face hostility worldwide.
“I would like to point out the hypocrisy of society when it comes to the LGBTQ agenda that is being pushed forward. Why are people being encouraged to come out and saying they are gonna be supported when we live in a cruel world where most countries spit on anything LGBTQ?” she wrote.
The president’s daughter also reflected on her personal experiences, noting how she initially received praise after coming out as a lesbian, only to later face backlash from some of the same individuals who once supported her. This shift, she said, left her feeling isolated and betrayed.
“Just to be clear, the same people who were praising me yesterday are now spitting on me now,” she declared.
A Call for Authentic Support
Brenda Biya urged people to abandon superficial support and instead commit to real, lasting change.
“I’m tired of the false narrative that society is supportive of the LGBTQ+ community,” she stated. “The truth is, most countries and individuals still discriminate against us, and it’s time we stop pretending otherwise.”
She emphasised the need for honest conversations about acceptance, rather than simply pushing a misleading narrative.
A Reminder of Ongoing Challenges
Her message serves as a reminder of the struggles faced by LGBTQ+ individuals globally. Brenda Biya sees significant work ahead before achieving true equality, even with progress in some regions.
“Let’s stop pushing forward a false narrative and start having real conversations about support and acceptance,” she urged.
Brenda Biya publicly came out as a lesbian on June 30, 2024, sharing intimate pictures on Instagram of her kissing Brazilian model Layyons Valença. She captioned the images, “I’m cr8zy about you and I want the world to know.”
Various LGBTQ+ organisations and activists supported her revelation, viewing it as a potential step towards the decriminalisation of homosexuality in Cameroon. The LGBTQ+ rights group “Working for Our Wellbeing” expressed hope that her visibility would spark change in the country’s rigid anti-LGBTQ+ laws.
A Symbol of Courage
Beyond organizations, individuals within and outside Cameroon applauded her bravery. International rights activists saw her coming out as a significant move in challenging the nation’s stringent policies against LGBTQ+ individuals.
Brenda Biya’s advocacy continues to shine a spotlight on the struggles of the LGBTQ+ community, pushing for a future where support is not just symbolic but genuinely transformative.
