The Goth Subculture: Toxicity, Politics, and Fashion

     What do you think of when you hear the word ‘Goth?’ Black clothes? Eccentric makeup? Cemeteries? If you thought of any of those you aren’t alone, but these things don’t make up what Goth is.
    Being goth isn’t about what you wear, where you hang out, or how you look. Goth is a music based subculture, meaning it's dependent on whether or not you listen to goth music and artists.  Many misconstrue this to mean you cannot listen to other types of music when in fact that is not true.
    I myself listen to many other genres of music and my Spotify wrapped consisted of many different music genres and artists, including Mitski and Britney Spears.
    While it is a music based subculture that does not mean that other things do not fit into the mix, one of these being politics. Unfortunately many people who are self-proclaimed goths also say they are conservatives, but these two cannot co-exist.
    People tied to the gothic subculture were historically left-leaning, so while it can be apolitical in some aspects there are certain ideologies attached to the culture. Some of these values are feminism, anti-Nazi, and anti-homophobia/transphobia, and anti-racism, and this is mostly because the subculture was heavily inspired by the punk and hippie scene in the early 60s and 70s.
    When you think of "Goth" you may think of the stereotypical trad goth look with big teased hair, white face, and big black eyeliner. While many do dress like this is not a requirement and there are other gothic subcultures that have their own look including cyber goth, romantic goth, and pastel goth. These all follow their own styles and are equally as valid.
    Another lie that people like to spread is that you have to buy from certain stores or spend x amount of money on items when in reality many goths curate their wardrobes from thrifting, non-goth stores, and vintage clothing from family. These are all valid and inexpensive ways to take part in the gothic subculture, so no it does not make you a poser to wear a shirt from Hollister or wear your mom's leather pants from the 80s.
    To many this is encouraged as it is less wasteful, and brings more meaning to the pieces you style.
    So while many may try to gatekeep the subculture, anyone who isn't an asshole is pretty much allowed to participate.
    So please enjoy whatever you want and do not listen to those who may try to invalidate your interests and tastes.