I’m a trad goth girl – my look gives me confidence, people need to see beauty in the darkness

A SOCIAL media star known for her goth style has revealed her look attracts all kinds of weird and wonderful reactions from strangers.

Fashionable Pea, better known as PeaPanic online, stands out from the crowd thanks to her alternative style.

But sometimes expressing yourself leads to people passing comment – both good and bad.

She said: “I started dressing alternative when I was around 13, and it developed as I found goth music.

“I would say I have been dressing ‘goth’ since late 2021, with my style progressing as my confidence grew.

“I would say one thing that annoys me is how the goth community can be controlling on ‘how to be goth’

“It’s good to know that being goth is about the music, history and political views, not the fashion.

“However I believe we should welcome new goths and help them with their looks.

“One misconception that I think people should know is it’s a style based on music and community in the 80s, not just us trying to look scary.”

Phoebe added: “I get both good and bad compliments from strangers online and in person.

“From stares and rude comments to even having people get up in my face shouting harassment towards me.

“I recently had this happen to me but I ran off and waited in a show to be picked up.

“While this shook my confidence I also get a lot of kind words from people who admire the style, to people who remember the goth movement and style from the 80s, creating a nostalgic feel.

“The hate can be a lot, especially online but the good comments help me keep going as, at the end of the day, it’s me and I won’t stop being myself.

“I think people find it fascinating as it’s so out of the ordinary.

“It stands out and with any dramatic look – goth or not – people are interested in the unknown.

“It’s good to know we are people and most goths are so kind, we just choose to pretend ourselves differently.

“My style gives me confidence and makes me feel empowered and beautiful, and that’s what should matter.

“I hope people can see the beauty in the darkness and the skills the makeup has, it may be different but that doesn’t mean it’s bad

“We are all different!”