how to be a goth?//coming from long-time goth

goth subculture is getting kinda popular so i am trying to make sure that everyone that claims to be a part of it, know everything about it.

how to be a goth?

first step is music. 
music is the most important thing in gothic subculture. you cant be goth and dislike gothic music. goth music genres: new wave, dark wave, post punk, goth rock, goth metal, cold wave. of course being goth doesnt mean that you have to strictly only listen to goth music. you can listen to any music you want, but you have to enjoy and promote goth music. goth music has so many genres that it is impossible to not find one which you really enjoy. 

second step is culture
goth books and goth movies. 
gothic movies are old, classical horror movies. for example nosferatu, dracula, frankenstein, everything classic about vampires, castles, witches. 
gothic books are also about vampires, romance, horrors, "the castle of otranto" is one of them. 

third step: style 
gothic style is not so important. it is up to you if you want to look gothic, but if you dont it is totally okay. there are so many gothic styles, trad goth, vampire goth, romantic goth, etc. to choose from. but you need so much time to be all dressed up. so its your choice. i like makeup and dressing up so everyday i am, but there are so many goths who are casual. you can be goth and have any style you want. you dont have to be all in black in a whiteface paint to be goth.

fourth step is political view
usually goth people are lefttist, and they dont tolerate homophobic, racist, nazi people. 
we are also not supporting large companies, so its better to get clothes in secondhands and just do everything by yourself.  everything handmade is just cooler, or you can support smaller bussinesses if you cant make something by yourself. we are close to punks political views, but not everyone is. there are people who say that gothic subculture is not political, if that person thinks that, its okay. political views are not so important in the subculture.  

fifth step is history
you should know history of the subculture, where does it came from, where it all started, the most important personas and bands in it. 

so music. and thats enough to start. 

if you have any questions just write in the comments :")
and let me know if you want a blog about history of gothic subculture, i can make one because i know a lot.