Sir, - Last Saturday, in cities and towns across the world, thousands of gay men and women along with families and friends took to the streets to celebrate their lives. In Dublin, the occasion was one of good - humoured fun which culminated in a party at the Civic Offices which was attended by people of all ages, clearly at ease with one facet of the rich diversity that makes us who we are as a society.
In Belgrade that same day, 20 homosexual men and women gathered to have their own Gay Pride march, but they were attacked, beaten and chased through the streets. According to news reports, onlookers laughed and applauded this violence.
The contrast between what took place in Dublin at a similar if larger event was stark, to say the least. It is a matter of regret and disappointment that RT╔ didn't take up the story on that evening's nine o'clock news and that there was a shortage of comment in the media generally.
The event in Dublin showed how far we have travelled as a society on the road to equality and how much is owed to those who had the courage to speak out when gay rights were low on the scale of political priority. The images from Belgrade served as a reminder that unchallenged prejudice is a dangerous and destructive force.
Unfortunately our country still knows the reality of bigotry, whether sectarian, racial or homophobic. It is expressed in both verbal and physical violence. Silence fuels these attitudes and helps give them their ugly potency.
I have seen foreigners taunted on our streets and I know many people who struggle with their sexuality and are afraid to reveal the truth about themselves. Both are examples of the power of bigotry and ignorance to control and manipulate people's lives - Yours, etc.,
Colm L. Humphries, Ceannt Fort, Kilmainham, Dublin 8.