IN response to Mr Horsfall (BEN, November 2).

In the past, I've worked with, known, and been friends with many homosexuals, both here and abroad, and apart from one or two, generally got on with them.

Now the current wave of not asking, but demanding this, that, and the other, has turned many people against them.

One person in particular Mr (gob almighty) Tatchell, seems to believe that if HE thinks it right, then it must be right. He followed the American lead in hijacking the name 'gay', which is offensive and an embarrassment to most people named Gay, Christian or surname.

There are many more suitable words in the dictionary -- sphincters, manque (pronounced Mong-ka meaning almost but not quite), sodomers etc. The word Gay, according to the dictionary -- lively, merry, cheerful, showy, sportive -- meanings not always true of its adopters. The alternative names give a clearer definition, but do not paint as nice a picture as they would like.

Yes I have an axe to grind. A neighbour takes me shopping in his car, and, apart from knowing looks, the intimation has been made that we are queer, so we now shop separately.

Fifteen or so years ago no one would have thought twice about two men or women being together, now you can't even be single and over 40 without the suggestion 'are they queer?' And, I will bet that 90 per cent of people reading this have also thought it at one time or another, which really makes us a sick society, and, all thanks to the Yanks, Tatchell and company.

Be queer if you wish, or are, but don't scream and shout everyone down who does not agree with you. You never know, you may even gain the recognition you seem to crave, but don't expect everyone to accept what you are, as most will always find it too repulsive.

You seem to prefer confrontation, having had many protest marches, how many anti-marches have there been? 'Live and let live' works both ways.

Why are you not satisfied with the gains you've made over the last 10-15 years?

Why do you expect everyone to kow-tow to your every whim? You may be different, but you sure as hell aren't special.

You have got the 'holier than thou brigade' on your side, what more do you want?

Geoff Pollitt

Towers Avenue,

Deane,

Bolton.