GOTH
When I first decided that Goth was for me, I tried to look at what other Goths were doing. Some were very modern in their PVC jeans and tight tops while others seemed stuck in the Victorian era with their frills and ruffs. One thing I noticed, the color BLACK!
The music was another thing, I heard music that was depressing and orchestral and also at the other end of the spectrum music that was defiantly rock, imbued with morbid imagery. I took to this music like the metaphorical duck to water. (Goth to absinthe/espresso, adjust metaphor as appropriate)
But as I found is that essentially, Goth isn't about what clothes you wear or what music you like, those things are superficial (Although hearing a Bauhaus/Sisters of mercy song may help you make friends). Goth is a frame of mind, Goth defines a certain type of people with a similar slant on life. A certain open mindedness that is only found in the company of other Goths. I have found that Goths tend to be creative in some art or other, whether it is drawing, music or writing, but it isn't always the case.
You could be the gothiest person in the world with the androgynous sparkle in your eye, draped with black fishnet or you could be a jeans and T-shirt Goth, the main thing is to never forget that you are one, no matter how much "Gothier than thou", Goths heckle you. (Or Trendies/Normals for that matter)
So you're a Goth, what now?
If you're so inclined I suggest you pick up some of Edgar Allen Poe's work and give it a good read, you can get his collected works for about £2 in the form of "The penguin literature collection" (or something) from all major book stores. I'm sure if you've read this far without clicking back with furious distemper (hah I bet you have now) then you should enjoy them. This new found literary fervor should also pleasantly surprise most parental figures, (unless you don't live with your parents because you're old and you know everything and you're going to send me abusive emails).
Download Napster ( or use Audiofind.com) to sample the classic Goth bands such as; Sisters of Mercy, Bauhaus, Depeche mode, My dying bride, Siouxie and the banshees etc and some of the modern ones such as; London after midnight, Rasputina, Switchblade symphony etc ( Don't send me abuse because your favorite band isn't here, because I don't give a shit and also I encourage sampling of music but not downloading albums worth, just one or two songs is usually sufficient, then if you like what you hear, you can go buy the album)
Experiment with clothing; I can't stress enough the virtues of being unique. Of course people may stare with some custom fashion ensembles , but hey if you feel comfortable GO WITH IT. If you're unsure what to choose, black is always a safe bet. Black T-shirt and black jeans maybe some black shoes or boots, you'd pass in any Goth club I know.
You've seen Goth guys in makeup and you don't know what to think
Goth culture is underpinned with a certain open mindedness, whether it is in sexuality or taste in music and clothes. Men wearing makeup is just an accepted part of that open mindedness. However just because you see a male wearing makeup does not necessarily mean they are gay or bisexual. It may be the persons way of expressing themselves or challenging social taboo's, their own way of rebelling (or they really might just be gay or bi). Whatever the case, try to accept it. If you are male, go down to the shop and buy yourself a bottle of black nail polish and try it at home in your room, see what it feels like (you'll probably notice that it looks VERY cool). Even further, you could sneak into your mum or sisters room and steal an eyeliner pencil (or buy one from the appropriate shop they're only very cheap). Try putting eyeliner on and/or coloring your lips in with the pencil, look at your self in the mirror. Remember experiment, you can always rub makeup off (of course it may hurt).
Misc tidbits of Gothy knowledge
Snakebite and black
Half a pint of lager
Half a pint of cider
Dash of blackcurrant cordial
= A cliché "Goth" drink that you can order in a pub/bar
(Personally I think its a vile substance, drink the lager or cider or snakebite on its own but don't bother with the black you might die j/k)
~More tidbits to come~