Letter: Tribute to an icon

Sir: The BBC reported that gay men and lesbians were among the first to bring flowers to Kensington Palace.

The extraordinary effect of Diana's life on the lives of gay men and lesbians has scarcely been registered by the press, nor has the profound sense of loss felt by this community. Her instinctive humanity, her leadership in recognising the suffering of Aids patients and her sense of style all greatly moved us.

Equally important, she was a woman who suffered yet who persevered magnificently. This, despite abandonment and vicious criticism of her personality, activities and desires. In the firmament of gay icons, she will surely have one of the most honoured places.

One hopes that the gay and lesbian community of Britain will find appropriate means to express its grief and honour Diana's gifts to us.

JOHN M FRITZ

London WC2