The North East is celebrating lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) History Month throughout February.
The region is now the official Tyne and Wear Hub of the events.
The annual celebration of LGBT History Month falls in February and lasts until February 28 or on leap year till February 29.
It is an attempt to celebrate the history of LGBT people, celebrating and bringing it to light.
This year’s theme is religion, belief and philosophy.
The month also sees people working with schools and the public to highlight the importance of LGBT history.
Drew Dalton, a sociology lecturer at the University of Sunderland and expert in LGBT issues, said: “With Holocaust Memorial Day just past, it is important to remember all of LGBT history and the men and women who died during the Holocaust of WW2.
“Today, ISIS are committing a genocide of gay men by throwing them from tall buildings.
“It is now more important than ever to bring histories to light and to challenge prejudices and behaviours. LGBT people have always, and will continue to be, part of history and it is vital that we maintain this.
LGBT History North East will be offering a full day of public talks on the February 20, 2016 on a range of subjects from ‘male love in WW2 trenches’, ‘trans histories of local NE trans men’ to ‘female desire within the Suffragette Movement.’
Mr Dalton, added: “It promises to be an exciting day. However, beforehand, we are offering a schools CPD session on ‘incorporating LGBT history into the curriculum,’ and already, we have over 40 teachers who have booked a place on the course.”
Adam Bloomfield, 22, a student at the University of Sunderland, said: “I think it’s an important part of history that is often overlooked so it’s good that the history of the LGBT community is finally getting some light shed on it so I’m pretty pleased.
“As for the event, since I will be attending myself. It’ll be good to learn of the LGBT community before the more modern day version we know now.”