Paul Biya’s daughter reveals lesbian status despite anti-LGBTQ law

Brenda, daughter of Paul Biya, the president of Cameroon, has shared a photo of herself kissing another woman.

In a recent social media post, the president’s daughter revealed that she is in a relationship with Brazilian model Layyons Valença.

In the accompanying caption, Brenda openly expressed her love for the model and declared her lesbian status.

“I am crazy about you and I want the world to know,” Brenda wrote, adding a love heart emoji.

This is not the first time that the two women have shown their closeness on social media.

Brenda, who is 26 and a singer, also shared an article published by Le Monde, wherein the magazine reported that she had “come out”.

Paul Biya, 91, became Cameroon’s president in 1982 and he is one of Africa’s longest-ruling leaders.

Since 2016, the country’s penal code provides up to five years of imprisonment and a fine of 200,000 CFA francs (305 euros) in the event of sexual intercourse between two people of the same sex.

Human rights groups have previously criticised Cameroon’s strict laws against members of the LGBT community.

There have also been questions about whether Brenda’s sexuality is a privilege that can only be enjoyed by a select few in the country.

Bandy Kiki, the Cameroonian LGBT activist, said anti-LGBT laws in the country “disproportionately target the poor”.

“It highlights a harsh reality. Wealth and connections create a shield for some, while others face severe consequences,” Kiki said.

President Biya and the Cameroonian government are yet to officially comment on the issue.