They may take solace in an aesthetic celebration of dark Gothic culture but most Goths are generally good sorts, nature loving, peace loving and often active supporters of charities and all manner of worthwhile causes...

As Goths the world over celebrate their enthusiasm for Gothic culture as part of World Goth Day spare a thought for their enthusiasm for the Gothic which is deeply embedded in European history: architecture, art, music and literature.

Gothic architecture, involving gargoyles, spires and monumental structures, developed across Europe with its origins in medieval superstitions as well as religious and secular beliefs...

Its bold and dramatic motifs are found in stonework, frescoes, public buildings and private properties, and especially churches and cathedrals across Europe and beyond.

The dramatic nature of Gothic art also has many expressions in classical art, literature and music including Carl Orff, Mary Shelley, Botticelli and others...

On a deep level the interest in the Gothic is part of many enthusiasts awareness of the struggle between good and evil in the world; which is evident throughout history, and is represented in Gothic art often via allegorical expressions.

The rich culture of Gothicsm also found expression in pop culture originating in England in the late seventies and early eighties with alternative groups such as the Sisters of Mercy and others exploring the themes of Goth culture...

A growing youth sub-culture around the world has continued to celebrate some of these themes via their adoption of dark clothing and medieval style jewellery as well as music and art.

However, despite the sensitive nature of many Goths sometimes their strong expression of self, via fashion and music can lead to discrimination and injustice ... and misinterpretation of what many of them are about...

Goths are particular active fundraisers for a range of charities including global charities like The Red Cross, The Humane Society and others ... and in the UK for charities like Action for Children and Cancer Research UK.

However, despite the peaceful nature of the vast majority of Goths, their appearance can lead to bullying and even violent attacks...

In Britain in recent years, for example, there have been many well reported violent assaults on Goths.

Such hate attacks have a fascistic feel to them and are about attacking those who are different in some way, a key feature of bullying and discrimination the world over.

The murder of Sophie Lancaster in the UK in 2007 was a terrible example of this...

Sophie, along with her boyfriend, was attacked by a group of males walking through a park in Bacup, Lancashire.

She was kicked to death for looking different...

Subsequently a memorial fund was established in Sophie's name, the Sophie Lancaster Foundation. The charity funds educational workshops to educate young people about sub-cultures, encouraging peace and tolerance...

By learning the importance of celebrating difference and different cultures, even within their own communities, clearly young people also get to respect themselves and look forward to the rewards of becoming positive members of society.

The foundation is also lobbying parliament to protect sub-cultures via hate crime legislation...

This worthwhile foundation is about stamping out intolerance and prejudice everywhere.