I read with growing incredulity the letter from Johnny of the Male Alliance concerning the "evils" of drag (Letters, April 25).

Female impersonation has been a legitimate, integral and valuable part of the artistic and theatrical tradition from the time of the ancient Greeks.

Shakespeare consistently used men dressed as women and women dressed as men to add drama, humour and sexual tension to his plays.

Indeed, in other cultures - Indian classical dance and Japanese kabuki being two examples - men dressed as women are used as a theatrical device.

In this country, "drag" has evolved through variety. The late and wonderful Dockyard Doris came from a deep tradition of variety and music hall.

I see drag perhaps three or four times a month and do not remember the last time I heard a joke about menstruation or sanitary protection.

The gay community has a variety of images on which it can draw and would be the poorer for concentrating on the masculine images recommended by Johnny.

I would remind him it was a bunch of not terribly masculine drag queens that started the Stonewall Riot from which much of the freedom I enjoy today is drawn.

To equate drag with the behaviour of the Taliban, who executed gay men in the most appalling way, is simply offensive.

It is a pity the Male Alliance, whoever they are, cannot get to see some quality drag and not the tat Johnny has obviously subjected himself to.

I suggest a Sunday visit to a Brighton bar to see Dave Lynn, Phil Starr or Cher Travesty - talented, wonderful human beings who add humour and a little sparkle to counteract the dull Johnnys of this world.

-Micheal Pyner, New Church Road, Hove