Welcome to Gaia! ::

- What started goth?
In a sense, goth has always been, it just hasn't always been labeled as such. Goth being an interest based subculture means it has always been. There have always been those who were drawn to the darker things in life. However, the goth movement and subculture began in the UK during the early 1980s. It was developed by fans of gothic rock, an offshoot of the post-punk music genre. Post-punk artists who presaged the gothic rock genre and helped develop and shape the subculture include Siouxsie and the Banshees, Bauhaus, the Cure, and Joy Division.

- Is goth a music based subculture?
Yes as music started the movement and the modern fashion. However, it's also interest based which is how I usually refer to it as there's so much more to it than just music.

- What makes goth music goth?
"Gothic rock stood out due to its darker sound, with the use of primarily minor or bass chords, reverb, dark arrangements, or dramatic and melancholic melodies, having inspirations in gothic literature allied with themes such as sadness, nihilism, dark romanticism, tragedy, melancholy and morbidity." [x]

- What makes someone goth?
It's a debated topic as some say "you are only goth if you listen to the music." I however disagree with that as there is far more to the subculture than just music. The music is a big part of it but to be goth so to speak, one has to also partake in the subculture and have an interest in it by enjoying the style and the over all aesthetics. If one self identifies as goth for having these collection of interests, then one simply is. To be goth we don't always have to look the part as in some cases it's simply not feasible due to work requirements, financial reasons or other.

- What is "Darkly Inclined?"
This is a term that some goths use to describe other goths who are not as into the music. It's actually a bit derogatory as it plays into the juvenile "you're not goth enough" debacle. 'Darkly inclined' literally means goth without calling it goth ie, one who's drawn to things of a darker nature. This is the whole "trying to take the goth out of goth" charade which some have been trying to pull that is mainly seen on several goth YouTube channels. If one chooses to identify themself as "darkly inclined" rather than goth, that's their choice but we wont be having anyone in this community pull any bs telling someone they are or aren't something as such. To read more on this check under the Links section below.

- What is a poser?
I've heard some say that 'if a goth is an a*****e that they are a poser.' This is not true as goths can be anything anyone else can be and being something other than goth doesn't make one "less goth" or a "poser." Being goth is about liking a subset of common interests such as the music and fashion. Being rude or what have you does not make someone's interests change. The literal definition of poser is "a person who acts in an affected manner in order to impress others." The only way one is a poser is if they are only putting on a charade to fool or manipulate others.

- What about things being labeled goth that are not?
I'm at the age where I don't really care as I see it as unimportant. So long as someone isn't saying it's a "kink" or is something "harmful" I'm not going to be bothered what some rando online says. As for random bands or celebrities carelessly getting called 'goth', it's not relevant and it's not hurting anything. If someone comes here or in another one of our communities or spaces saying such things, we can politely and respectfully correct them. As for getting overly upset over a common misconceptions or the age old Marylin Manson isn't goth debacle, it's unimportant and shouldn't matter. Most of us are elder goths and already know the basics and we are mature enough to not get butt hurt over trivial things. Furthermore, no one will be attacked here for simple and common mistakes or misunderstandings. Throwing a temper tantrum or being rude to others is not what our community represents.

- What about elitism, gatekeeping and other goth drama?
I am absolutely not having any of it in any community of mine. We will absolutely not partake in any drama what so ever. It is negative, toxic and it can suck the life out of some of us who already have enough issues and mental struggles. No one here will be acting rude to anyone else at all. We are mature and respectful to all those who deserve it. We are also happy to inform anyone who has questions or confusions about our subculture and we will do so kindly and respectfully. Kindness, acceptance and understanding is what most of us stand for. At the same time we will call out any bs in some instances if the need should arise.

- What is alternative?
Alternative is an umbrella term used to describe a wide variety of subcultures such as goth, emo, punk, metalhead, rivethead and so on. It is also what those who are taking part in one of the aforementioned subcultures identify as when they choose not to identify with any "label" as they so often put it. Alternative people often incorporate many fashion accessories with their look that are commonly used in goth, punk and other looks such as spiked bracelets, collars, black combat boots etc. Alternative people also often have various tattoos, piercings, and unnaturally colored hair. Video