Teen Gothic

hi I just joined the subreddit, initially this spring when I was finally trying to express myself through clothing the way I wanted to. I found myself to be more alternative which was new and became curious about goth. I had no idea that goth was a music genre so I read through the wiki. I read through posts. I listened to a few songs. I absolutely hated Bauhaus and figured I just don't like goth music.

i felt like I might be forcing myself to like/be something I'm not so I left the sub and settled with just being "alternative". Since a head injury I haven't been sure about who I am now. I've been trying to find my place for years. Then I kept coming back. I kept wanting to learn. I kept researching goth music and goth history and was curious about my local goth scene. Who does that??

I found I enjoy The Cure and Siouxsie more. I listened to Bauhaus again but realized I am just a person. I don't have to like every artist in a genre. I wasn't really surprised I loved goth music as I listened more since I listen to so many genres in the first place. I did wonder if I even could be goth if I listened to so many unrelated genres so I got a bit confused since I didn't really see anyone who listened to genres like that. Then I got over it. I like what I like. I rather pay off my credit card and buy some albums than worry if I'm goth enough.

As I read repeatedly, goth is a music based subculture at its core and I love the music. I just happened to find the fashion first. I don't even wear it every day but I have my own playlist now and have a few favorite artists. I'm constantly looking for more. Most I've either discovered here or Spotify. I won't be going out to clubs or concerts due to the pandemic but I'm trying to get involved online. Goth feels more natural than I expected. Emo, punk, metal, etc. didn't click so I've ended up here. I found my place.

I’m a baby bat looking to connect with my local goth scene but it seems there isn’t really any out here? The closest city to me is Charlotte and even that’s quite far away. I’m unsure of how I’d go about connecting with folks irl. Anyone else out here?

I get so happy when I see someone with an alt style out in London.