Don't Drink The 'Proper Goth' Kool-Aid: A Babybat Storytime

[@JennCampbell]

This reminds me of the 'goth kids' on South Park. "If you want to be a non-conformist you have to dress just like us." 😂😂😂 ❤

[@free-the-whales]

hahaha I love them so much

[@tierneymaurice8974]

yesss my first thought lmao

[@JoGrant-dq8ob]

You can't be a non-conformist if you don't drink coffee!

[@m4gnusroot]

Conforming to non-conformity. This is what happened to the hippe subculture today too.

[@free-the-whales]

@magnoliansoup idk where everyone is learning about hippie but the subcultures is alive and well

[@MsRellaBee]

55 year old "Goth" here and this video made me so sad. In the 1980s, we were just the weirdos who listened to dark music (and read dark books and poems, watched dark movies, and sometimes collected macabre items for decor.). There wasn't a uniform or requirements. In fact I never much liked the Cure, and was/am a huge Bowie fan. Y'all, don't let anyone else define you. Give a big F*** Off to anyone who tries to gatekeep your entrance to any scene, or pass judgement on your look. Please don't think you need to join any cult to like what you like. Dorian, I love your storytime episodes but I feel so bad for the need to publish reassurances like this.

[@Bildgesmythe]

Yes! From someone old enough to be your mom. One life, live it as yourself!

[@themelonsoup]

That's exactly what I always liked about your generation of Goth lol. I actually love The Cure, but there's a lot of Goth bands I don't like because nothing hits me as emotionally as Evanescence or Adele. 😂

[@richardcrook2112]

Things were better in the 1980s though. Getting a job was easy, keeping a job was easy, changing jobs was easy, claiming the dole was easy, buying a house was easy having friends was easy, falling in love was easy, having a life was easy . I don't blame youngsters wanting to go back there. I do too!

[@ShimmerRaven]

Yes! It was never music thing when I was a kid it might have started that way but evolved differently and then people started gate keeping it

[@m4gnusroot]

Weirdly enough it's usually the elder goths who have been the most supportive of me in the scene. I love meeting y'all at the club, shout-out to the Castle in Ybor! 🖤

[@GinaGodfrey]

shout out to Emily Boo's response to being asked to name 5 songs of the band you're wearing: "name 5 women who trust you" 😂

[@granthropologist3622]

My husband is rightfully proud to have been turned away at the door of Intrusion (Oxford goth night) for not looking goth enough ….. and also to have done a guest DJ set at the same club night.

[@MissLizzy882]

oh wow! That's an amazing story combination!! haha! That's my local (ish) club, although I've never been.

[@LucyDavies-ni1wv]

I’ve been to intrusion. That’s crazy. I’m really sorry that happened

[@WalkMasterFlexx]

It's because vampires can knock at the door, but have to be invited inside. ^.~

[@PhenixJoe]

This is my favorite look on you ever, Dorian! You look incredible.

[@andyprompt]

Same

[@mysticpersimmon]

Yes! Dorian looks so stunning, and the double colored eyelashes were the icing on the cake!

[@Omnihilo]

I LOVE this hair on them so much. 🖤

[@muuuumipappa]

Agreed, Dorian looks so stunning here! 😍 Such an iconic look, like a stylish manga character or something. Dorian has such an eye for beautiful interesting aesthetics.

[@MallowPuffDrawz]

I agree!!

[@Erideah]

The idea of calling yourself goth while gatekeeping is such an oxymoronic notion. I'm goth, and the reason I call myself goth is because I can make a dozen distinct styles that all fall under that category. If it was just one singular style, it wouldn't even come close to meriting a label for me

[@yeralmuzika]

"In essence, fuck the rules" 100% perfect!!!

[@MegaSqueebles]

I covered my battle jacket in positive/silly/spooky things. No bands, nothing aggressive (ok maybe the baphomet on a skateboard giving the finger, or the raccoon with a knife could be aggressive, but the surrounding patches make it clear it's meant to be ironic) I've had all sorts of people complement my jacket, from teenage girls in a mall, to little old ladies on the street. Being positive and kind in a world that's hellbent on wearing you down into a cynical butt head is how I practice being punk. Also NEVER READ THE COMMENTS ON ANY BATTLE JACKET SUBREDDIT!

[@berketexx]

in a world like this, being a good person is nonconformity. kindness is punk!

[@camdecay]

this 100%!!! you’re punk as hell for that

[@inactiuveuser69]

i'm a goth and a metalhead and just left a metal discord that was killing my joy for music. i'm sooooo tired of pure elitism in all of the alt scenes. i'm here to talk about music with you, not for my intelligence to be insulted. but nobody listens because it release more endorphins to take things at face value and bully. after all i must not have been in these scenes for over a decade and must be the weird poseur that should go away.

[@TheQuesti0nnaire]

Same boat! Personal favorite mine is this one of Skeletor with "Live Laugh Love" on it!

[@gmachineq]

I was raised Italian Catholic. I always joked that you can’t be more goth than that. We have those crazy church rituals and silliness that seem so dark and crazy to the “regular folks”. But the gilt makes you feel darker than anything. lol. I always said I never had to overly show my “gothness” because I was gothic on the inside. lol

[@evilandproud]

I was just talking to my husband about this!😂 I'm only Catholic for the fashion.

[@juliasmith2773]

Practicing Roman Catholic here and yes! I love my faith and just how metal and dark and deep and beautiful it is. 100% made me more goth then if I wasn’t God’s daughter XD XD Judith recently became one of my favorite biblical books bc she’s so intense ❤

[@gmachineq]

@@juliasmith2773 the first goth. Judith was goth before it was cool. 😹

[@TaMarAaQ]

I'm wasn't raised religious at all but I always felt that I never had to show my gothness because I am goth on the inside. There is an inherent darkness in me and I don't need to prove that to anyone. To others I'm more part-time goth because 90% of the time I look like I just rolled out of bed and that 10% of time is when I play around with showing off my gothness for once lmao

[@WalkMasterFlexx]

@@TaMarAaQ just say "bitch, I woke up this way" and rock it!

[@MadMadamGrimm]

One of my high school goths ( late 90s early 00) told me it's a mind set. Don't trust the BS, question everything and you're half way there. That was probably the best advice ever.

[@elizabethowens8548]

58 and I am astounded by your creativity and wisdom. Elitism is even in the grateful dead crowd too. Even same jargon posers,rigid expression ect

[@billiebluesheepie2907]

I remember punk in Barnsley, when two females walked into a town centre “old man pub” one took her purse out of a birdcage and the other a kettle :-)

[@kattykatrina]

i feel like the trad goths arent exactly trad because what they see is no colour but siouxsie had colour and a lot of them did

[@berketexx]

siouxsie has some super colorful looks! i mean look at the spellbound video ... sunshiney yellow

[@Rae.Rat311]

Ok you have officially inspired me to make a battle jacket consisting of Sugar Ray, The Cranberries, Madonna, Sixpence, Puddle of Mudd, etc in death metal font 😂 I'm serious too. There are loads of music outside the genre i listen to, and no one would expect it when looking at me lol thank you for that idea

[@TheYoungKilljoy]

Honestly, that'd be freakin sick

[@casca3425]

I brought some of my non goth friends to the club a while back and didn't think anything of it honestly. We were halfway through the door when a pair of guys called at us, "You're at the right place"... Even though we were literally already walking inside lol. Throughout the night I noticed the strange glares and awkward interactions went away in the moments when I'd stepped away from the group. It's funny, no one had ever given me shit there before. I felt so bad for my friends. They didn't look like they were having a great time. I don't blame some of these kids for having their guard up.

[@hanwirtz4305]

That's so sad 😞 how ridiculous

[@mallgothpopart]

So petty. It's sad that goths would act that way. 😞

[@berketexx]

as a baby bat ( been into goth for a few years but im only sixteen ) i agree so much. trying so hard to be the perfect goth and listening to everyones opinions about it ironically makes you about as far from goth as can be. so much of goth culture is about individuality, not caring about being viewed as strange. by trying so hard to conform, you defeat the purpose of alternative subcultures and adopt the mindset of the sucky mainstream cookie cutter world you're trying to avoid. it's so ironic how these people will simultaneously say "trad goth is the only true goth clothing style everyone else is a poser" while ALSO saying "goth is a music based subculture." these are mutually exclusive sentiments and i don't understand why that's so hard to see. damn hypocrites if you like goth music, regardless of your fashion sense, media preferences, or music taste outside of goth, then you're goth ( if you want to use the label of course. ) also, that last part at 24:45 was so sweet. thank you for being such an inspiration dorian. 🖤

[@MsRellaBee]

you nailed it! OG Rella has got your back. 😍

[@hanna.ciszewska]

The part about hiding your pop CDs made me realize my Bauhaus records are sitting right next to my Britney Spears ones 😂 Life's all about diversity

[@mollynixon2144]

Dorian just discovered your page. I’m 49, and been goth and ADHD my whole life. And I’m obsessed w punk and yes, The Cure. Siouxsie! I’m obsessed with make up and my younger self and life. I’m pale and green eyed and went to the goth clubs in my youth. I’ve never changed. 💋💋💋🌙🖤🩶 Great message. Xoxo

[@sleepygoblin87]

Wow, so many of us have adhd and/or autism. It's wild.

[@MadameMagoto]

Bipolar, adhd add, wait- what?😅

[@ieatkids03]

​@ashmac87 It makes sense that goth appeals to NDs since it (supposedly) celebrates nonconformity and also there's so much music to get nerdy about lmao

[@mk-middlegrey0645]

As someone with social anxiety I really needed to hear this even though I'm not actually part of the goth scene. Thank you Dorian

[@Lucatoire]

I am vibing so hard with this look, the make up style and colours, the way you've styled your hair and the colour, the jewellery and accessories, the layered tops, it's all uber cool. Always enjoy the descriptive power of your writing btw, so interesting and compelling.

[@RazeAVillage]

Shit yeah. I am 44, and I remember, in the 90s, no self respecting goth wanted to be called a goth. I didn't get it. I'm not sure they did either. I was more into metal and punk, but I really dug a few goth bands too. One cool thing about being a goth then (or a rivet head) was the struggle to find cloths. People would find them at odd places like a hardware store or pull elements off spooky things in a flee market or stuff leftover from the Halloween season. Many people had to just make their own cloths. This is the first time I've ever heard the term "trad goth", and I'm old enough that the all black everything was more of an aspiration than a reality. There wasn't nearly as much black to go around in those days. I completely agree with you here. the elitism is stupid. I'm happy when someone discovers a new genre of music, game, hobby etc. and genuinely enjoys it. I remember the most genuine goths being into all kinds of things. Sure, the genre of music and vampires and some dark poetry or whatever, but they might play and unusual instrument, love a favorite era of history, have hobbies like brewing, sewing, gardening, reading classic literature, collecting antiques, any sort of art.... the list goes on.

[@WalkMasterFlexx]

When "Emo" came out, I was so confused... a subculture that glorifies suicide? Creating anything that seemed too dark could risk getting sanctioned before Emo kids were a thing. I think it was then when the clarification as "Goth" was necessary for me at least. I didn't want to be associated with anything that confuses mental health with self expression.

[@SpookySal13]

I've been goth since I was about 13, I turn 23 this November and sometimes the elitism still gets to me...this video made me cry. I just loved this so much

[@katleiahveridian6564]

50 yr old lifelong goth here..we used to just call ourselves "alternative ". I actually just made my own version of a battle jacket. All the patches are images.Tarot cards, ravens, deer skulls, moths, spiderweb, etc. I wanted it to a collage of pretty things that I love, a visual representation of things that make my soul happy. Not a band patch in site. There are no rules to being yourself.

[@Christmasminions]

I love being goth. There is a definite freedom to throwing off the shackles of expectation and societal parameters. I can go as dressed down as I like or as elaborate as I like and it's all weird to the normies.

[@SouthernGothicYT]

"You'll be non-conformist too if you look just like me" When I was a little baby bat, I "studied up" on the subculture and wanted to check every box I could, however impractical. I'd scroll websites, looking at their stock and daydreaming about having it one day. Thankfully at the time there were youtubers talking about this exact thing back then and it certainly made me feel better about not jumping through every last hoop. Instead of shaping myself into a "proper" Goth, I shaped Goth around what I wanted for myself. For instance, I don't think I look good with black hair, and it's way too long to back comb. I live in a really hot and humid climate, leather and PVC are a no-go for me. Similar issue with make up - I either sweat it off or forget I'm wearing it and smear it, so no full face for me. I make it work :D

[@Bildgesmythe]

Absolutely ❤

[@caylarivera2804]

As someone who enjoys many genres of music and loves to wear different alt styles on different days, i love this sentiment. Who needs a label when we are all just collections of different experiences, cultures and subcultures. Life is too short wear what you like, listen to who you like and take as much joy as you can from your favorite things ❤

[@IvoryTower777]

Before I start watching--- I am now 30 something and remember identifying this way or that way. And I notice the same thing when it comes to just about any fandom or hobby. For instance I really love to play video games, but I am so annoyed by the fact a large swath of the online community has devolved into this reactionary culture war mess, and if it isn't that - if you play certain games " youre not a true gamer" . I feel like this gatekeeping is present in just about anything I have enjoyed in my life. I feel like we need to appreciate the fact each person is unique and to not be ashamed for liking whatever music shows movies etc. TLDR : online discourse can be annoying.

[@IAmThePyromancer]

I remember back in '98 I was listening to The Sisters Of Mercy on my walkman, wearing a Placebo tshirt, sporting mossy green hair, and someone told me I wasn't 'goth', I was very confused by that statement, mainly because I never really declared I was 'goth', I just kind of fell into the scene very naturally via cousins who where massively punk. Anyways, here I am all these years later, still wearing my Placebo tshirt, and doing what 'I' want to do, blasting Sisters alongside Charli xcx out of my bluetooth speaker.

[@anxious_dem0n]

The band-patch jacket is so much fun to play around with! I would call myself punk, but like a bunch of the patches on my vest aren't punk bands/lyrics at all, it's just stuff that I enjoy. And the most fun part about the whole thing was making the patches to begin with. Me and my friends spent a lot of the summer in 2022 DIYing patches and clothes and it was the best summer probably of my whole life

[@ShimmerBodyCream]

I love that lash look

[@JessicasMagicalTreasures]

I was called a poser back in Jr. High here in the USA. I love both goth music and metal. In the 90s my goth friends frowned upon me because I also loved bands like Pantera. Cradle of Filth put these ‘friends’ to shame because they made fun of me before that type of music blew up. They were used to the traditional goth bands. Picky bastards! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@veerymrappy]

it was popular to hate "gothic metal" bands and fans back in the day, i will never like that music myself, most of it is pretty awful and doesnt really have that unique vibe that unifies most of the subgenres even if they are very different just music wise, but looking at that 20 years later, who were we to judge it, it wasnt anything nice, a very covert kind of elitism. all i know is would give at least 20 years of my remaining "life" to actively be a part of the whole alternative sub-universe again. i never "grew up", its the only strength i still have in me, and if i ever get on a better course again it will be thanks to that :)

[@Notfearjustexcitement]

WOAH you look so different! Glorious makeup in this one

[@AB-jq1el]

Dorian. Your makeup looks so good all the time!!!! But this??? THIS?????? Goddddd!!! SHOW ME SOME TUTORIALS, PLEASE.

[@em0_svccvbuzz]

I loved hearing your thoughts and I appreciate the way you write/your choice of words. This was a wonderful video

[@Gothwithoutacause]

To become goth is to become a combination of every beautiful weird thing you ever experienced and were inspired by.

[@artisticshortcake8417]

Currently bedridden with an awful virus contracted from a Subhumans gig and a Dorian storytime is exactly what I need :')

[@Copperkaiju]

I hope you are feeling better. 🍀

[@mallgothpopart]

This is a month old comment and I hope you're feeling much better now. 🖤🖤🖤

[@doomslayrrr7704]

thank u dorian this makes me feel better about being goth but i dont wear super crazy goth makeup or sensory hell goth clothing and i instead bask inbthe glory of just being like a swag dude that plays gta abd smokes weed all day😭

[@simone6888]

When I joined the goth scene in the mid-2000s. We went through this as well. I wasn't as expressive as my friends but I remember one of them getting constantly bullied by one of the older girls. They both had really different personalities so I never thought they'd dress the same. I was proud of my friend not changing her style even throughout being bullied. It is crazy to see it happening again but also not suprising! BE YOU WHATEVER THAT LOOKS LIKE!!!

[@theslitherysylvie4010]

Dorian is my most favorite KZbinr ever. The realest, most honest person saying things based on lived experiences. I'm Autistic, goth, and was addicted to dr*gs, and this channel has helped me since I started watching years ago. Dorian articulates things so perfectly, saying things no one else has the courage to. Also, Dorian's books are really good. I have read two of them and highly recommend 💜🖤💜🖤

[@jeanproctor3663]

It's great to hear your take on the scene. I kind of experimented with a lot of different genres, you could say, but kept coming back to Goth as though it was a favourite dessert. I don't think I've ever been hideously serious about anything to do with the scene, because that's not really me and many of my mates are as daft as I am. In the end, whether someone can't leave their bedroom without a full face on every day or can't be arsed to bother with eyeliner or lippy unless they're going out-out, we all do ourselves (as in "you do you, boo", if anyone's wondering what I'm waffling about here) and come back to ourselves eventually and you have to be true to yourself before you can be true to anyone else.

[@spinelessdevil]

wish the internet was like this a decade ago

[@SingBlueSilver-m7t]

I'm 48, been in the subculture for more years than I can count and never once dressed "trad". I feel sad that the baby bats feel like there should be a goth uniform, etc. Especially when a staple of the subculture is individuality. I couldn't agree with everything you've said here more.

[@Bildgesmythe]

If you're forced to conform, it's not right. Be yourself!

[@sarahjane1975]

you gorgeous poet. as your words trickle into my ears I feel everything you felt/ my life could've been yours and vice-versa. never stop creating lovely

[@calestaiezu214]

I just took my daughter to her first punk show a few weeks ago. I think she was one of two younger teenagers in the crowd. The people around us were so happy seeing her there and thought it was really cool that we were exposing her to the punk/goth scene. They talked to her and told her the history behind the songs and the bands. They told her stories about all the different shows they've gone to and a great time was had by all.

[@izzykaii]

This was awesome felt like I was listening to a goth history audiobook 🖤

[@GhostsRustyKnee]

Imo some of the goth gate keepers were a little predatory towards baby bats too. Like, "you're doing it wrong, let me take you under my wing and I'll show you the right way".

[@ris1365]

Im 18 and a babybat, i have always been into alternative (and kinda obscure) interests but just recently got into the scene (I hated the label, it made me feel oversexualized bc of chronically online boys). I have always seen it the way you descrive it, a form of self expression, but elitists have slowly driven me away from that idea. This video is curating my soul. Thank you.

[@chickpstranded3069]

Hi Dorian, I’m 62yrs old and have lived during punk, goth and raves and I remember perfectly well the existential choices transpiring from those lived experiences. But you’re absolutely right everything has become a commodity. Emptied of any possible meaning. Everything has become a commodity and that it’s because everything developed in this country was within the business area. Freedom it’s never found in any markets. Life has become a dirty McDonald’ toilet and everyone works for minimum wage. Freedom it’s always found in the movements that have nothing to do with any industry. And above all these movements need to develop some class consciousness. Thank you very much for the video.

[@goblindude4242]

I’m goth but wear black and green and wear whatever I want when I want. I’m really glad I got into goth in a way that was almost totally detached from the internet, even though it was only really a few years ago. Besides some KZbin and Pinterest. It was mostly research, just figuring out what influenced what, etc. and learning from my partner who read loads of books about the music history side. Goth has always been about self expression and it’s sad it’s becoming just another weird internet style uniform. I wear new rocks because I’m really in love with the shoes, not because it’s an Official Goth Boot. I listen to a lot of goth and post-punk music because I love it, not because it’s a box to check so I’m allowed to call myself goth. There are definitely some of us younger folk out there that still get this but it’s a shame it’s such an online issue.

[@dourcream]

i follow for the ED content mostly but HAD to click on this because WOOWWWWW dorian that look is absolutely STUNNING

[@SharonDonovan-f8i]

I was first introduced to the Goth culture in 1989. Went to a Doorkeepers (local Goth band ?) concert and loved it. I experimented with the concept of becoming more immersed (in Goth culture), but eventually let it go as I was more worried about not being accepted by family, society and potential employers. Well, it's many, many years later and I feel like I'm being drawn back, but now I worry I'm too old at 57. My bedroom reflects what I want and there are clothes in the wardrobe I long to wear, but I'm not brave enough.

[@letgoofmynuggets9665]

I know this is weird to say because we’ve never met, but I really do love you Dorian. You’ve helped me get through so much in college and high school

[@woods1504]

This video is SO important

[@sillymanmcgee]

i had a huge falling out with social media a little bit into my baby-bat phase, which really helped free me from feeling like anything i was doing was right or wrong (goes for more than just being goth tbh). i started just taking inspiration where i liked it (i love the dancing, the art and the makeup), and i’ve been much happier and more in tune with myself since.

[@nanobyte1]

almost healing , this video . i remember being the only 'alt' kid at a catholic school in the 2010s with no template , i just happened to have inherited what my parents set as an example naturally and did what i truly liked for myself . historically speaking i was late to the scene but that is by no fault of my own . then my peers started growing into the 'hashtag generation' and suddenly i was not alt enough , a poser goth , 'oh you like meta bands' etc ( weird school of thought ) these folk were wearing costume and bashing people like myself down and it made the alternative scene seem like it was an unsafe place for me to be , to the point where i developed a peculiar behaviour of being fearful of other alt strangers as they may be passing the same judgement to me that my peers did . i was young kid so this felt very real to me ! i fear what the current gen are going through now - it is no wonder gatekeepers arise and try to assume rules and stuff when its everyone out for themselves online . i really appreciate you making this video . i hope it reaches all the young babybats of todays generations , but i hope they also dont take it too seriously as i feel that is one of the biggest issues with the online gen now . im only 24 now ( i appreciate im still part of the tail end of said online gen ) but i am fast approaching the 'i dont give a fuck , i just like what i like' level of life - and disconnecting from social media like 'the clock app' really helps . the only 'ungoth' thing ill truly fess to is that i cant do clubbing .. people vomiting everywhere gives me serious ick LOL (emetophobia) . love the makeup in this btw , the long white lashes are so eyecatching . thanks for another banger dorian !

[@sabrinalaub48]

Dorian Idk know if you’ll ever see this but I can’t thank you enough for being sometimes my only sense of comfort in this world. it might sound silly but it’s true. Every time I’m having a bad day I’ll turn your videos on and my mood is instantly lifted i love you so much and just hope you know how appreciated and loved you are.💗

[@tonapittman]

Another thing to note is that true goth spaces were safe for *everyone* in any manner of dress, so long as you were there to enjoy the music (not gawk or be a creep).

[@HAB-BITUAL]

idk why, but hearing your voice again feels so good. i've been dealing with some stuff for a while, and relating to you makes me feel happy. Thanks for existing Dorian

[@roseinthestorm18]

Did you have another book coming out this year? I might have imagined it, but if not I'll content myself with rereading Millennium Gothic again! 😁

[@thefunk1526]

My patch jacket is an amalgamation of all my musical loves: goth, metal and country. I have a sisters patch next to a grief patch next to an ola belle reed patch (my beloved). also you look so good in this vid, this makeup + hair is smashing.

[@nicolenichol8523]

I love the 2 books I've bought. They're a great read. I love how you do so many makeup looks. Im 42 and have been "goth" since 1998. I fully agree with what you said here. Hugs 🫂 my KZbin friend. I hope you're having a great day.

[@onyxstewart9587]

I'm not goth but I do love making myself patch jackets. I only ever put a few band patches and badges on mine and make it a good mix of different genres, The rest of my patches are mostly political and designs made by artists I find online or by myself. Sometimes I'll just sew on random patches of pretty material or random zips/buttons etc. Patch jackets can be as creative as you want them to be!

[@nemeseax7123]

Omg Dorian, what a beautiful look of you today!

[@xvioletlilithxharnage-regu511]

I'm married to an industrial musician I've had a crush on since high school, I'm 43 now. I'm the least goth LOOKING partner he's had in adulthood, but the most goth in every other way (music, I'm a heliophobe, I'm obsessed with dark fantasy, etc). Most "goths" are just wearing a costume...the perfect "look" without any substance. As an aside, I also love pop music and I'm a huge Swiftie. People need to just be real with themselves and others.

[@Desgrange_band]

Your makeup looks so GOOD!!! ❤

[@shellybunnii]

Punk rocker here! I’ve been following you for years because I relate to you a lot when it comes to the drugs alcohol and many views of the subculture scene. I’m quit a bit younger than you, I’m 28. But you are my favorite KZbinr. It’s funny when you started talking about the battle jackets and vests because I have both of those bands you mentioned sewed onto mine XD in my area (I’m American) but I follow the beat of my own drum. I get a lot of praise and complements when I go places because of my style. I don’t really get people coming up to me with shitty comments from”elitists” I feel like people look at Me as one of them because I have quiet an online presence. I usually keep smirk comments to myself and I for the most part I get a lot of praise for the way I dress but I honestly just dress how I feel. But something I don’t like is when people dress goth because it’s a trend and they know nothing about goth music or any rock alternative music at all. They listen to only trap and rap and that’s what grinds my gears. They know nothing about the scene they just want the aesthetic. But once you see the next trend happening they’ll be quick to hop on to that one too. There are know rules to being alt. Just dont fake it is all I have to say about it.

[@Bella-Anne]

Amazing look! Thank you so much for this video! I am so tired of some Goth KZbinrs stating that Goth is a music based subculture only, and therefore, you have to listen only to Gothmusic. That's unnecessary gatekeepeing because every elder Goth knows that Goth is so much more. It's a lifestyle, a feeling, and an identity that everyone should be allowed to interpret in its own way. It was so funny when a baby bat commented by calling me a poser. 😂🤦‍♀️

[@MissLizzy882]

Loved this video! I'm 34 now, and I'm really struggling with self-image. I feel old, fat, and frumpy, and when I was in my teens and 20s, I was so much more outgoing. I wish I hadn’t let things get in the way and that I'd pushed myself to be a bit more outgoing because I feel now that when I do, it's feeling inauthentic and costume-y. I feel like I'm behind my peers, and I'm always trying to catch up and prove myself. Having this reminder that there's no "right" way is super helpful. 🖤

[@jadedfire4351]

Nahh not you saying to grab some art as I get up to grab my drawing glove lmfao. I fully did a turn back like "did I just hear that right??" hahah

[@frogman3102]

i love this video and i love this viewpoint. i’ve been goth my entire life. i’m literally just enjoying the weird shit i enjoy and relating to others who have the same interests, and i’m so grateful for this open minded community who don’t care if i wear all black or rainbow frills!

[@calihoyer1415]

Brand-new baby bat and new to this channel to boot: don't know if this was the intent, but this sounds so much like a poem that it affected me even more deeply than it would have if you'd just been saying the same sentiment off the top of your head. I can't decide which quote I want to embroider and hang on my wall because there are so many that deserve it. Maybe I'll give it the Desiderata treatment and do the whole thing on one giant canvas and make it a statement piece. And no matter how many bright colors it'll have, and no matter whether it's next to my dark purple moth-and-mushrooms painting or Sunflowers by Van Gogh, it and I will be just as goth as we always were. Thank you.

[@Hanakow]

I remember, back in 2003, I went out with some group of people, super goth looking and they talked to me because they though I could fit in their group...(They looked amazing). But they ditched me because I was too happy to be a goth, and because I wasn't satanic enough. I used to fall in love with guys that looked like vampires but they didn't like me because I didn't do drugs or corsets... They said I was too kiddy and weird and ended up marrying younger people than me hahah I guess I would've loved it if they told me I wasn't their type instead of making me feel inadequate for just being me. I'm 37 now and now I laugh about it and don't give an F... We're all old and wonderful, and I'll forever be a kiddy bat, too happy for the night.

[@ieatkids03]

Satanic enough? U sure they were actual goths or just edgelords lol

[@Hanakow]

@@ieatkids03 Edgelords, definitely Edgelords!

[@maira7804]

I really feel this with lolita fashion too, the pressure to buy expensive brand dresses that everyone has seen around to be recognised as part of the subculture is crazy

[@Trecesolotienesdos]

hi there. i've been really loving your vids. you've opened my eyes to the Goth scene and what it's about. it's a misunderstood scene really.

[@totoguides239]

Your outfit is incredible !! Love it so much)) I love to watch your videos, it was 3am in our place when video dropped, and I started to watch as soon as I can tap play button)

[@rin4829]

this is exactly what i needed to hear! too many people want goths to fit their exception of what google thinks goth is

[@LotusesGalaxyOcean]

I feel like when we cling too tightly stereotypes the fun and creative joy fades away. In other words I agree. 🙂

[@MK-Hogan]

The beautiful part of aging is the liberation. You just don’t care what people think more & more. Our crew were a mix of skater punks, goths, normies, etc. we were a weird mix of all kinds of subcultures and it was fun to come up with new styles and ideas for decorating ourselves. We mostly went to thrift stores to buy old man clothes five sizes too big for us to cut up and fashion into new, ridiculous looking pants & shirts. There was no Hot Topic or alternative stuff sold on shelves anywhere. We made it all.

[@luisehafenscher]

Being an emo/punk hybrid who also listens to rap, edm and certain pop music, I wholeheartedly agree with everything you said here and I think it's an important conversation to have. And your makeup looks amazing in this one!

[@emptysoul8462]

i love that any time i come back to the channel Dorian has a completely different look, it’s genuinely awesome and so inspiring!

[@oppossumkid2888]

Love your hair and outfit, Dorian! You made me feel better as a goth teenager.

[@Bildgesmythe]

Always feel good, enjoy life. Have fun goth teenager!

[@miizmurrderr]

I feel bad for people who feel like they have to dress and be a certain way to fit in. It seems so exhausting. I've never done that and will never do it. I dress, act, talk, like and do what I feel like doing cuz life is short and brutal enough without worrying about what people think about you. Love your videos :)

[@inactiuveuser69]

i've been goth for years now but i feel like i need to hear this.

[@michael-dy8hf]

hah, joke's on you dorian, i was already crocheting and needed another video to watch while working on my project! though one thing this video made me think of was a story my mother once told me about the goth scene she was involved with in the 90s. during that time period, you know what the local community (san francisco to be specific) thought was a horrific faux-pas that would automatically "out" someone as a "poser" who didn't know what goth was about? watching...buffy the vampire slayer. no, i'm not kidding. apparently the dominant mentality in that goth community at the time was that the show was a cheap cash grab made by "sellouts" to try and cash in on goth culture. though as time went on, and a few people slipped up and used very specific quotes in conversation, my mom found out that almost EVERYONE in the local goth scene was secretly watching buffy in shame, some of them liked the concept from the beginning, some people started hate-watching and then grew to actually enjoy it. moral of the story is, if someone thinks they're gother-than-thou, they're probably projecting their own insecurities about not being "goth enough" in some capacity.

[@thatgirl81111]

I love the concept of not being in a box! I’m 43 and would have loved to have the courage to just be me, in so many ways! Gosh I could waffle on at this point, but nobody wants to read all that 😅 Well done you on being there for the youth and I agree explore, and don’t be afraid to do so ☺️

[@findingthebroom]

i continue falling in love with your words

[@thekatigaming]

Hey!!! Omg I love your getup in this vid!!!

[@TiffanyFusini]

You look amazing. So youthful and glowing, like an ageless elvin creature. 🖤

[@juanitadark]

that eye makeup is stunning. plus freckles!

[@adventurelife_]

You always calm me down when I'm overwhelmed with life. ❤

[@antarchi80]

As a 19 year old who has been dressing alternative for about 4 years, i loved this video so much! I never fitted into the "trad goth box" simply because i couldnt afford to be but i always hated the parts of myself i couldn't mould into the pictures of goths i saw as i have naturally blonde, curly hair that felt so opposite to my ideal. However, the more i became engrossed in real life scenes and a mixing of subcultures, i started just doing what i wanted and its the happiest ive ever been. As much as i still admire the long black hair and fully painted faces, i never suited black lipstick and i wear glasses so ive evolved my makeup to be exactly what fitted me (much more 80s/bowie/new romantic esc) and my style has blossomed so much more. So glad people are advocating more for true self expression (asides from the elitists) as its what inspires me so much more than the copy paste.

[@StevieBeanBeans]

I love your voice but even more I adore what you use your voice for 🙏 you are such a light in this world and I love seeing new uploads from you seeing you continuing to shine your light 🫶

[@bucket.of.b0nes]

This is so needed!! Thank you for making this video, i see people trying to shove themselves into boxes all too often, when the point of this subculture is to express *yourself* and what *you* love

[@nikkisimmons7877]

yes i agree with you completely!! my sister and i tried to go to a goth club last summer, but they wouldn't let us in because she was wearing yellow shoes :(

[@dawggyd9779]

That's crazy 😭😭 sorry that happened! The elitism is insaneee

[@mallgothpopart]

What the hell?! 🤦🏾‍♀️

[@kaydegonzague3121]

It really is annoying when some random person keeps insisting that a culture go stagnant. So waffle on! You're not wrong.

[@free-the-whales]

Dorian, I look up to you in your EXCELLENT writing and speaking ability 🖤 I am also a writer however I do a bit of everything including art + music. I think this gothic renaissance is fabulous for many reasons and I enjoy these types of videos to help one maneuver through the subculture. I'm 28 and just getting into the goth scene now (I always was, and am, into metal/hxc/punk/emo/scene). One of the main reasons the goth renaissance is good is the promotion of art, music, and self-expression through fashion (however I think there should be more promotion of the prior - art + music). I went to my first "goth" show (Vision Video, Then Comes Silence) and it was awesome! I haven't been to a club yet but I look forward to it 🖤 Keep up the great videos, love them! 🖤Edit: Most people are in lack of fun. The good fun that is life affirming. The fun I used to have more commonly. That of which is associated with friends and the social scene. The kind of fun I am inspired by the local straight edge punk people that do adrenaline stuff for fun lmao

[@mishmash6570]

I love story times, I hang onto every word Dorian 😭

[@katelarge4169]

I was a goth in Belfast in the 80s and I’m so grateful we had some kind of creative escapism from grinding stress, constant threat levels and generally overwhelming misery of The Troubles. For me, I don’t think we ever had the mindset of disliking the goth label, though? Maybe that came along later. We drank Thunderbird in Botanic Gardens and ran away from the RUC (who were of course armed), we sneaked into Lavery’s back alley to get wasted on Purple Nasties (snakebite & black) and then had to wee in the alley too, as we couldn’t go into the pub itself until we had IDs. My first ever gig was The Damned at the Kings Hall in 1985, I don’t think many people can beat that for a cool first gig!

[@damienbloodrayne3]

I am alternative and am gothic/metal but i do my own style. I do listen to goth music like Sousie but also listen to other music like metal. I do my own thing and really don't care what people think of me, i am passed the age of caring what people think of my style or whether i fit in. I am me and am proud to be me. This is a great video and thank you Dorian for your words.