Category Archives: Serious Matters

Whisper Networks and Missing Stairs: Creeps in the Subculture

Posted on May, 2025 by Lady of the Manners

Content warnings before you read this post: it discusses abusive and predatory behavior, manipulation, and issues of consent. 

Gather ‘round, Snarklings, it’s time to discuss a serious topic: predators and creeps in the goth subculture. Continue reading →

Posted in General, Serious Matters | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

This is Not the Goth Nostalgia We Asked For: Wearing All Black is NOT a Danger Signal

Posted on August, 2024 by Lady of the Manners

You would think, considering how long the goth subculture has been undead and thriving, parents and schools these days wouldn’t be concerned when their children decide to explore goth. And yet. Continue reading →

Posted in General, Serious Matters | Tagged , , , | 14 Comments

Of Dealing with Parents

Posted on May, 2022 by Lady of the Manners

be supportive. Or at the very least, not react with fear and disapproval. But alas, that ideal world doesn’t exist. So what can you do when your parents react poorly to the unfurling of your spooky self? Continue reading →

Posted in General, Growing Pains, Serious Matters | Tagged , , | 7 Comments

Of Reclaiming Goth for Yourself

Posted on July, 2021 by Lady of the Manners

How do you reclaim Goth for yourself when it’s ended up with uncomfortable personal associations? Continue reading →

Posted in General, Growing Pains, Serious Matters | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

“Not Pretty Enough” to be Goth

Posted on November, 2020 by Lady of the Manners

This is going to be a somewhat multi-topic post, Snarklings; well, not multi-topic, but two facets of one larger topic. Part the First: Over on the Gothic Charm School Tumblr (yes, the Lady of the Manners is still on Tumblr, … Continue reading →

Posted in Serious Matters | Tagged , , , , | 41 Comments

Of Goth Fashion for Accessibility and Chronic Health Issues

Posted on November, 2019 by Lady of the Manners

Dear Lady of Manners
My question is less one about etiquette, and more about logistics. I have my own mix of Victorian goth and punky style that I was perfectly happy with until fairly recently.

The problem is that around 3 years ago, my chronic health conditions deteriorated, and I had to start using a wheelchair full time. I can no longer stand or walk, and a large portion of my clothing is not suitable for wearing in a powered wheelchair. Continue reading →

Posted in Being Fashionable, Fashion, Serious Matters | Tagged , , | 10 Comments

Of Funeral Etiquette

Posted on June, 2019 by Lady of the Manners

Do you have any advice for goths on what to wear to a funeral? I’ve never been to one, and even though most of my wardrobe is black, I don’t really know what’s ”too much” (no massive skulls and bats, nothing cut too low, but beyond that), or even how to do my make up for it. Considering how much of my style and interest in art is based around Victorian mourning clothes and the abstract concept of Death I have no idea what I’m doing. Continue reading →

Posted in Serious Matters | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Why Do Guys Like Goth Girls?

Posted on March, 2019 by Lady of the Manners

The Lady of the Manners will be honest, Snarklings: she’s been holding onto this reader question for a while, because there are many different things to address, and the Lady of the Manners felt a little overwhelmed.

I found your site interest [sic] and by mistake. Great site. Was looking up ”˜why guys like goth girls.’ Maybe you can answer that question for me real quick like. Anyway thanks for all what you do. Continue reading →

Posted in Clubbing & Concerts, Serious Matters | Tagged , , , | 13 Comments

No Tolerance for White Supremacists. Ever.

Posted on January, 2019 by Lady of the Manners

For this installment of Gothic Charm School, dear Snarklings, the Lady of the Manners is going to get political. Wait, no, that’s the wrong word, because treating people with respect and not being a horrible excuse for a human isn’t, and shouldn’t be political. Continue reading →

Posted in Serious Matters | Tagged | Comments Off on No Tolerance for White Supremacists. Ever.

The Never-Ending Goth Debate

Posted on November, 2018 by Lady of the Manners

It is time, Snarklings, for the Lady of the Manners to delve back into a topic that is resurrected wherever goths gather. Well, perhaps “resurrected” is the wrong term, because the Lady of the Manners is very aware that this topic has never died. Ever. This fight discussion probably lurched forward at the very instant the subculture coalesced out of the shadows: what is goth? Continue reading →

Posted in Elder Goths, Serious Matters | Tagged , , | 22 Comments