This Saturday marks International Day Against Homophobia, and we in Britain have a lot to do if the problem is to be rightly consigned to the dustbin of history.
But it is a worldwide issue and there will be events all round the world to mark the occasion.
In Sheffield there will be a rally at Barker's Pool commencing at 11.30am with some high profile local speakers.
Amnesty International receives many reports of gay and lesbian couples being abused simply for showing affection for their partners in public.
Verbal abuse is often the first step on a ladder of bullying and harassment that can lead to serious physical assault. Two thirds of lesbian and gay schoolchildren have been the victims of bullying because of their sexuality. An astonishing 17% have also received death threats.
It is time our political leaders actively condemned homophobia at home and abroad.
Graham Jones, Sheffield Amnesty InternationalREAD MOREYour letters.
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The full article contains 169 words and appears in Sheffield Star newspaper.