Teen Gothic

It wasn't a phase, mom! I was fifteen then. Over three decades later, here I still am. Yes, I did take an extended break from goth in my university years. I still wore black, but I stopped listening to the music. For the longest time, the music conjured up PTSD-related memories due to a catastrophic falling-out with an eldergoth friend.

Good old Christian Mom, when I was a babybat: "What are you doing with those candles and incense?" Before you guess that she asked me about devil worship—you're absolutely right! She did ask about devil worship!

I had to do a lot of explaining about the subculture. To my family, to the friends I'd alienated, to the public.

I don't look as extreme now, but I've got this subculture in my DNA. There's so much new music. I'm floored by the amount. I've set a personal goal to listen to ten albums per day, indefinitely, but at least for a year. I'm single and I'm studying online, so I can afford to.

Did your family assume that goth was going to be a phase for you? How did people react in your babybat days?