Illustrator needed to free imprisoned victims of homophobia

Colin Stewart is a 45-year journalism veteran living in Southern…

Erasing 76 Crimes is seeking an illustrator who can help us win the early release of imprisoned victims of homophobia in Cameroon. Is that you? Or perhaps you know a talented artist who might be willing to help?

Illustration depicts Evan and Kane, who were imprisoned for homosexuality in Yaoundé, Cameroon. In May, 2021. They were freed early because donors contributed money to pay their fines. (Illustration by Vincent Kyabayinze, East Africa Visual Artists / EAVA Artists)

In the past year, our Project Not Alone 2021 (Projet Pas Seul 2021) succeeded in releasing 11 unjustly imprisoned LGBTQ Cameroonians from prison by publicizing the injustice of their situation and seeking donations to pay their court-imposed fines, to supply them with supplementary food and to provide pro-bono legal defense for detainees who had spent months behind bars awaiting trial. Under Cameroonian law, paying their fines results in approximately a four-month reduction of their time in prison.

Illustrations are a key to the project’s appeal to prospective donors. Last year, a Ugandan artist provided illustrations, including the ones above and below, but this year that artist is too busy to continue.

If possible, an illustrator would work on a volunteer basis. If that is not realistic, the illustrator could be paid by using a small portion of donated funds that otherwise would be used to help prisoners.

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For more information or if you are interested in volunteering, please write to us at info@76crimes.com. If you are an artist, please attach a relevant sample of your work.