Teen Gothic

I apologize if this is a stupid question! I don’t intend to diss on any bands like The Cure, Bauhaus, Siouxsie, etc. I am actually quite interested in those bands but I get a little bit intimidated by more well known stuff because I am afraid of seeming like a poser and not knowing where to start… I’ve really been into bands like Tristania, Within Temptation, Mortal Love, The Sins of Thy Beloved etc just because I really love the sound especially really symphonic stuff and im more interested in trying a bolder goth style as I’ve kind of been in the alternative scene for years now but have been too scared to place myself in any particular subculture. I know goth subculture is music based but I wasn’t aware if you had to listen to specific bands or if the bands I like count or anything…I also think I might be stressing too much because I know a big part of it is just not conforming to the norm? I dunno. Help is appreciated!

I am not going to whiten my face.

Had someone insist online that I wasn't a real goth because my friends tend to be more "basic", but I dont see a problem with it! I'm nice to them, their nice to me. I don't see the need for any complications.

Also- another dilemma, im against the insult "basic". I find it incredibly misogynistic and rude. Go ahead and scream at me in the comments, I wont care enough to acknowledge it. The point is, this person yelled at me and called me a "poser" for this.

If the answer to either of these questions is "yes", ill leave the goth community, no questions asked. Not out of anger– it just doesn't fit me.