Rome hosts week of cultural events against homophobia.

The capital hosts a series of cultural events dedicated to the rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community as part of Rome Rainbow Week, taking place across the city until 18 October.

Rainbow flags are flying over city buildings for the duration of the week-long festival which comprises music, theatre, art and film as well as literary events and conferences.

Among the highlights of the week is Dove nasce l'Arcobaleno, an exhibition documenting the evolution of gay rights, through manuscripts, books and audio-video sources, from the collection of political activist Massimo Consoli. The exhibition runs until 14 October at the Archivio Centrale dello Stato, in Piazzale degli Archivi 27, from 09.00-18.00.

Rome Rainbow Week follows the city council's January vote to approve the establishment of a civil union register which will automatically include same-sex marriages contracted abroad.

It also comes during the final 20 days of Rome's outgoing mayor Ignazio Marino who became the first mayor to provide full, official backing of the city's Gay Pride parade which he and his councillors attended in June.

For full details of Rome Rainbow Week see programme.