February 2012 marks the eighth annual British LGBT History Month. First initiated in 2005, LGBT History Month is a time to celebrate the lives and achievements of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

This year's event is based on the theme 'tackling homophobia and transphobia in the world of sport' and a special timeline of sporting achievements by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people has been produced by Gay Games Ambassador Chris Morgan.

Talks, performances, film screenings, concerts and other events will be held across the length and breadth of Britain.

Visit the heart of London's gay village for a historical guided tour of LGBT Soho. Hosted by community development organisation Kairos in Soho, the walking tour will educate participants in the unique contributions made to science, art, culture, politics and gay rights by Soho residents, past and present.

Suran Dickson, CEO of Diversity Role Models will host the 'convivial but edgy' Queer Question Time at Glaziers Hall, London on 1 February. Accompanied by a panel of five local and international LGBT figures including TV and radio sports broadcaster Bob Ballard, GB Sitting Volleyball player Claire Harvey and human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell, Suran will lead a debate on this year's LGBT History Month theme as well as the Olympics and issues facing the community.

In Newcastle there will be a screening of Annalise Ophelian's feature length film Diagnosing Difference at the Star and Shadow Cinema. The film features interviews with transgender scholars, activists and artists who aim to clear up misconceptions surrounding transgender identities.

The second annual Outset Festival, which celebrates the LGBT community's contribution to theatre, comedy, dance and community arts will be held at The Brewhouse, Taunton. The event will feature free singing, drama and dance workshops as well as performances by cabaret artist Ty Jeffies, and Barratt & Drummond.

For gay, bisexual and trans history all year round, the British Museum has a wide collection of items on display which document same-sex desire and gender identity throughout the ages. From the Warren Cup to the busts of Hadrian and Antinous and the Pakistani hijra quilt, the museum has clear evidence that LGBT people have had an impact on culture around the world for centuries.

Dr Richard Parkinson from the Department of Ancient Egypt and Sudan at the British Museum told Gay Star News: 'It shows how normal such things are. We don't have to push any agenda, we're simply stating historical facts.'

The British Museum and Untold London have curated an LGBT history trail which takes visitors through the ancient Babylon and Egypt, Maori and Native American culture, Japan and Western Europe sections of the museum.

For full LGBT History Month listings visit the official website.