“We’re hard-core romantics, dreamy realists and cynical idealists. We find beauty in the macabre, while seeking fairness and tenderness in our daily lives. We love all things ancient, while being modern and liberal in our social outlook. We’re intelligent and creative without being cutthroat and competitive. We’re angry yet peaceful. We’re sure of ourselves but wary of strangers. We’re funny but bitter … but mostly very shy.”-Rebecca Schraffenberger from the book -Goth: Undead Subculture

Belief/Religion: The Gothic subculture is not a cult and Goth people have a different beliefs and religions.

Ethnicities/Background/Nationality: Goths can be found around the globe and come from many different backgrounds and ethnicities.

Behaviour: Goths are peaceful. While Goths sometimes look scary, they are often quite friendly and are generally kind. They are less judgemental and more open-minded than many other subcultures. Some of us are extroverted but many of us are shy introverts.

Humour: We are certainly not all doom and gloom. We have a sense of humour albeit a dark one and we love to laugh.

Relationships: Goths are a romantic lot and seek love and affection just like most people do. And just like other people, they vary in their sexual orientation and preferences with some being monogomous, some polyamorous and some celibate.

Fashion: Goths don't all wear black. Although early Goth fashion was mostly black, Goth fashion has evolved over the years. There are now a variety of Goth fashions and Goths wear anything from black to white to pastels. Read more about Goth fashion

Music: Goths don't all listen to the same bands or genres of Goth music. Goth music spans all music genres and is essentially a darker version of those genres. All Goths love dark music but not necessarily exclusively. Read more about Goth music

Interests: Goths generally love mythology, the mysterious, the supernatural, culture, art, music, literature, film, fashion, philosophy, traditions, romanticism and nature.

Goths are lovers of nature and are fascinated by it's diversity and complexity. The sounds of wolves, the wind howling, owls and thunderstorms stir a Goth's heart. We also love plants and many Goths are keen gardeners. Yes, Gothic Gardening is a thing.

Jobs: Goths are often creative, artistic and of high intellect. Interests are wide and varied.

“Goths are likely to grow up to be doctors, lawyers or architects, the study by Sussex University says. They are refined and sensitive, keen on poetry and books, not big on drugs or anti-social behaviour. They are also likely to carry on being goths into their adult life. They have an ability to express their feelings and are believers in romance rather than one-night stands.” -BBC News Article about Goths - Upwardly Goth

Politics: Goths are generally against violence and hate. And are for freedom of speech and religion.

But for the most part the below statement is true:

“Goths may, indeed, have political leanings ranging from left-liberal to anarchist, but they do not express them specifically as part of a cultural identity. Instead, political affiliation, like religion, is seen as a matter of personal conscience. Unlike punk, there are few clashes between political affiliation and being ‘goth’.”-Morbid Outlook's article on Goths and Politics

Links:

• BBC News Article about Goths - Upwardly Goth
• Goth Stereotype Memes by Trellia
• Morbid Outlook's article on Goths and Politics
• Goth Gardening Facebook Page