11 DECEMBER 1999, Page 42

Out with the voters

From Mr Peter Tatchell Sir: Robert Shrimsley is mistaken to accuse me of having 'hidden' my homosexuality when I stood as a Labour candidate in the 1983 Bermondsey by-election (`Right suit for the job', 6 November).

While I did not discuss my sexuality with the media, I was totally frank with local vot- ers when canvassing. It was my openness that precipitated much of the homophobic vitriol of that campaign.

Peter Tatchell OutRagel, PO Box 17816, London SW14