Discreet arrival at Brussels airport. A small close-knit committee awaits her, which has supported her as far as Belgium. Shakiro dreamed of this moment. She lived in hiding for more than a year in Nigeria after fleeing homophobic violence in Cameroon, her country. Repeated attacks, as in Douala, just released on bail, pending his appeal trial. The court sentenced her to five years in prison for attempted homosexuality.
Cameroon does not like effeminate men who assume and show off. State homophobia and transphobia which give rise to public lynchings and which can go as far as murder.
Notoriety doesn’t help. This August 10, 2021, Shakiro narrowly escapes death. But for how long? She fled in September. Cameroon has become hell for her.