Please could Mary Mears (Letters, December 20) explain in detail how a gay parade benefits the entire city of Brighton, apart from businesses? How does it benefit pensioners, straight families, bus drivers, nurses, policemen, the Muslim community, teenagers out of work, drug addicts, single mothers, councillors, road sweepers, and all and sundry who do not run a cafe/bar en route?

And could she explain where she got the idea from that all residents of Brighton and Hove want homosexuality to be on a “global platform”? Why does Brighton and Hove need to “come together to celebrate’” homosexuality?

I would very much appreciate it if Councillor Mears could educate me on the above.

Paul Butterfill
Third Avenue, Hove

I feel I have to reply to Mary Mear’s letter regarding next year’s Pride.

Coun Mears displays how out of touch she is with the community. Pride does not benefit the entire city. In fact it has cost us money to host it – if I’m not mistaken, £30,000 or more.

It does not “provide an opportunity for the LGBT community to come together” but it is divisive, as is borne out by the two conflicting bids to run the event.

Over the course of a season, more people go to watch Brighton and Hove Albion than attend Pride – and they are mostly local people.

As for working together, Coun Mears has entertaining ideas on that considering her propositions for the local services and the golden handshake given to the previous CEO.

MT Moocher
Queens Park, Brighton