Teen Gothic

So, i got in a discussion on another goth related forum of "dress codes" at venues. My attitude is "fuck you, i wear what i want, when i want". I'm more into "post punk" in general than strictly goth, and my manner of dress is typically more on the punk side of things or whatever weirdness i'm on at that moment (currently,: tie dye clerical/preist clothing. Im going for psychedelic ufo cult leader)
The issue is some people are pushing harder for dress codes at events and venues. I take serious issue with that. Why should i be obligated to wear certain colors or conform toa certain style of dress, when i only care about the music? I tend to have the urge to do the opposite of what im told, so if im being told i need to wear black, im going to rebell against it beacuse its just my nature. I thought my attitude of "fuck the fashion, its all about the music" would be the more popular, but apprently im in the minority. alot of people responded in favor of it. To me, that just seems hypocritical since this is an alternative subculture that arose put of punk. what does the reddit goth folk think. should one be olbigated to wear black at goth night? what if i WANT to stand out like a sore thumb?

Hi!

I'm new to goth music and I'm not sure if I can / want to officially call myself a "goth", but I digress; I want to learn more about the history of the goth subculture and what-not. Do you guys have any recommendations? Books, or anything?