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Alderney Pride Day was an uplifting and "lovely" day which has been tainted for some, after one man celebrating with his husband was subjected to homophobic abuse in an anonymous letter.
Dits Preece received the letter after being interviewed for TV as part of the local coverage of Alderney Pride, which is designed to showcase and celebrate the island's diverse and welcoming society.
The parade and after-party were attended by over 100 people young and old.
However, the anonymous author took offence to what they saw on the news, and went to the effort of posting a discriminatory letter to the northern isle saying Mr Preece had "put me and my husband and grandson off our tea".
"You looked like a joke (The two of you). Try being in a circus," they wrote.
Pictured: The front of the envelope containing the abusive letter sent to Dits Preece.
Dits shared the letter online in response to the abuse, saying" "how pathetic, they can’t put their name to this and how narrow minded they are."
Equality charity Liberate CI has since reposted the letter, saying it displays a homophobic attitude that has no place in society.
"There are so many things wrong with this letter and not just that it came after everyone had a lovely day at Alderney Pride. We are very sorry to hear that Dits received it."
Pictured: Dits, second from left, taking part in Alderney Pride Day celebrations (Credit: David Nash).
Pictured: Alderney Pride Day had a celebratory atmosphere (Credit: David Nash).
"The fact that someone felt the need to send it just proves why we still need Pride. This is why is it so important to question homophobic attitudes wherever you may encounter them."
In response to its anonymous author, Liberate wrote: "For future reference the answer to 'why does that man have his hand around the other one' is 'because that's his husband' - why would that be such a difficult answer for you.
"Let's hope that the writers grandson is not gay/bi/pan as they are very unlikely to feel supported and accepted by their grandparents, sadly."
Pictured: The anonymous letter that was sent to Dits Preece.
Dits Preece and Allen Jones were a couple for 15 years before they were finally able to tie the knot in 2018 in what was Alderney's first same-sex marriage.
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