Trans woman attacked again in Cameroon
In Cameroon, LGBTI people can’t turn to the police for help.
Yasmine, a young transgender woman living in Douala, Cameroon, was the victim of a brutal physical and psychological attack during the week of Oct. 18.
The attack, which she described to Erasing 76 Crimes, occurred in a restaurant where Yas works.
The incident began when a gay man from Cameroon’s local LGBTI community made remarks that revealed that Yas is trans person who presents as female. Those remarks were audible to other people in the restaurant.
With her gender identity revealed, she was targeted by two young men. They approached her, accusing her of “corrupting little sisters” and spreading “the abomination.”
Thinking she could defuse the situation by shifting the focus off her transgender identity, Yas told the youths she is a lesbian. But that response triggered even greater violence: insults, blows, and threats to undress her to “prove” her gender.
Beaten and humiliated, she narrowly escaped a sexual assault thanks to the intervention of bystanders.
Interventions and reactions
Her landlord, who was present at the scene, stated: “I saw Yasmine on the ground, surrounded by these young people, so I intervened. No one deserves to be treated like that.”
The restaurant owner added: “She is a respectful and hardworking young woman. Seeing her in that state devastated me. We had to defend her to prevent the worst.”
A supportive neighbor said: “This violence is unacceptable. Yas is our sister, our friend. She deserves protection and respect, not hatred.”
Police weren’t contacted because, in cases involving LGBTI people, police in Cameroon often intervene on the side of the attackers. Cameroon’s law against same-sex sexual activity is often interpreted as a law against LGBTI people.
A precarious but resilient Life
Yas was the victim of a similar attack last spring, when she was homeless. Since then, thanks to the support of Cameroon’s LGBTI advocacy organization SORIH (Solidarity Rights and Health), she has been able to rent a small room.
She also found her current job as a waitress, which allows her to support herself despite a hostile environment.
However, her future remains uncertain. Yas wants to apply for asylum in France, but the process is dragging on due to its complexity and bureaucratic delays. She lives in constant vigilance, aware that each day could bring further violence.
Although rescued, Yas remains deeply scarred by the attack. She said, “One of them tried to tear my clothes off. If that had happened, I don’t know where I would be today.” Despite the fear and pain, she says she is holding up, but her story illustrates the extreme vulnerability of LGBTI people in Cameroon.
Author’s viewpoint
This incident underscores the urgent need for national and international mobilization to end homophobic and transphobic violence, guarantee the dignity and safety of sexual and gender minorities, and support organizations like SORIH, which currently can only offer a minimum of protection and hope to victims.
