Teen Gothic

I go through this sometimes. I listen to the music, participate in everything that’s with the subculture/community, etc. I usually get called a poser at school because I listen to J-goth and other random reasons. but I listen to all the goth classics. Sometimes I think these things happen more often ever since the term “tik tok goth police” became a thing. Just a random thought. What are your thoughts and comments about this? (Hopefully this entire thing I type doesn’t confuse anyone I barely post on here)

So for context, my mom said that I am not goth. I know the history, listen to the music, dress up sometimes, know about gothic movements, some religious aspects, and everything. How am I not goth? Also, my mom is not goth herself.

I know goth is a music genre and the subculture is primarily based around the music. I love goth music- I got into it 4 years ago and get so exciting discovering new and old bands. I’ve been to a few events and concerts and have felt so happy and at home every time.

However, I don’t dress in what people would consider “goth” most days. I’m not very good at makeup and though I want to learn I haven’t had time to really lately. And I do have a lot of band tees and some nice black dresses or fishnets but I mostly end up wearing a lot of plaid shirts and blue or black jeans. I wish I could connect with other people who dress goth but I can’t afford to change my whole wardrobe and I do like some other styles. Does anyone else feel like this at all?