Teen Gothic

Why is goth considered a strictly music based subculture? This is a genuine question I’ve been curious about. I don’t mean to offend or devalue the importance of goth music, but it seems like being goth was a thing before the music came into play but there just wasn’t a name for it. It says online that it started in the 80s (though the term gothic rock was coined in 1967), but what about gothic literature and architecture from the 19th century? Or some aspects of the victorian era? Another small example, a lot of people consider Elvira goth and she took inspiration from the Vampira show (1950s).

I really favor this subculture over all others, there’s so many aspects I love especially the fashion and architecture. I feel disappointed I can’t be apart of it if I don’t favor the music above the other things (I do like it, but I like many other genres better I don’t have much time to get into it. I also have a hard time finding songs with lyrics I like, I like heartfelt songs). Please inform me, I’d love to know more. Again I’m just genuinely asking because I love goth!