Teen Gothic

So, I have been referred as a goth for most of my life based on appearance, interests and personality. I never thought too hard on it until recently I decided to find people like me and I realized I don't think I'm actually a goth. I like gothic metal (strongly), but traditional goth bands don't really strike my interests. Not saying I hate the music, I find several songs to be to my liking, but I can't say I could listen to a full album and like everything in it. I find i prefer the gothic lyrics over a metal beat better. However, this has made me feel like a fraud whenever I'm referred to as a goth by others. Maybe its because I don't really know what my true title is? I am not afraid to just be "me" and not fit in a box, but if I could find the box I fit best in, I rather be called that.

So, am I actually a goth, or do I have a different group?

EDIT: thank you for confirming my suspicions. I actually feel better knowing what I am not (even if what I am isn't 100% known) you guys are a lovely community. Keep being you.

Hello I'm new here, and I've been wanting to ask a question. I have a really close friend that's been throwing the goth word around recently and I asked her why and she stated: Because I'm vintage Goth and like being minimalistic with just white, black,and grey. Which to my understanding isn't goth.

It's been bugging me that she keeps stating that anything black = goth. I've tried rewording things myself like when she was wearing a really cute outfit and she said she felt goth that day I said I love the alternative look. She does things like wears eyeliner on the upper and lower eye lids and says she's doing that gothic look.

I put pick me to goth in the title because she's very pick me in the way she is, and I'm not sure if because one person said she looks goth the one time she is holding on to it like a trend for compliments. My question is what's the best way to explain the culture to her where it doesn't sound rude or gatekeepy. I'm not against her being goth if she wants to be but I think she's just majorly misinformed and it's been grinding my gears.

Throwaway account. I'm fucking tired of how cruel and unhinged people can be. I hate the fact that people feel as though they can take advantage of me. Even strangers. One guy yelled at me and harassed me today for not giving him money. He proceeded to follow me out of the store and insult me. He called me a dumbass, (ironically) broke, insulted my hair, told me to stop wearing black, and a bunch of other bullshit. Just kept attacking me. The verbal abuse kept going as I left the store. He followed me out of the store I was at, and insulted the race of the cop I was talking to following this incident. Called someone else the f-slur. I felt unsafe. 3 days into the new year and this happens.

Another guy looked me up and down, and I can't forget the look on his face. I can deal with staring, but he had this look of disgust on his face.

I just feel like I can't catch a fucking break. People are fucking awful.

Edit: Yes, I was dressed in my gothic attire. In both instances when this happened, it is why I mentioned it. I believe that my appearance makes me a target for that bullshit. I guess I should expect it looking "different". But it's still such an awful feeling. I wanted to know if anyone else experienced that. And how you deal with it.

Second edit: Just wanted to say, thank you everyone for taking time out of your day to comment. It's been rough so thank you for showing me kindness and empathy. It means a lot.

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Goth music is full of self aware tongue-in-cheek campy songs. I would like to challenge the community to find the most campy songs ever put out.

I will go first. I think “Go away white” by Bauhaus is exceptionally self aware and campy.

I’m interested to see what you all come up with.