Like many citizens of Cameroon, Elsy has a dream. She dreams of leaving her native country and moving to Europe or the United States where she could live her life to the fullest without any prejudice.
Flag of Cameroon
By Courtney Stans
Elsy (a pseudonym) is a 38-year-old lesbian who lives in Yaoundé, the political capital of Cameroon.
Until two years ago, she was in the closet. No one knew her sexual orientation until it exploded into view during a fight between her and her partner. Then her nightmare began.
She was a successful teacher at a primary and nursery school. She was fired when her sexual orientation became known.
Now she has no job, so she no longer has enough money for food, housing and other basic necessities. She said:
“A relative gave me accommodation in a communal residence where we are five women in a room. For the past six months, I have had to share my daily life with strangers and keep my sexuality a secret.”
Rejected by her family, she has found no way to escape from the nightmare. She keeps trying to find a job, but that is very difficult these days in Cameroon, where the majority of young people are unemployed.
“My dream is to leave Cameroon and find a better life elsewhere where I can work,” Elsy declared. “I want to live my life to the fullest without prejudices or accusing eyes. Please give me a hand. Please help me wake up from this dark dream.”
Courtney Stans adds:
I hope readers will open their hearts and help Elsy escape from the discrimination and lesbophobia of Cameroon.
Elsy is counting on us.
Elsy is counting on you.
Elsy is waiting to chat with you.
Elsy is screaming for help!!!
Courtney Stans, the author of this article, is a Cameroonian journalist who writes under a pseudonym. Contact her at [email protected].
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