New to the 25/26 academic year, Gothsoc is making this beautiful city proud. In the shadow of the Minster, you may see a huddle of cloaked baddies cackling into the night, but don’t worry, these ghouls are friendly!
President of Gothsoc, Hannah tells me about the birth of this already thriving community; after taking part in Fringe society she realised that “A more specific goth society seemed to be missing, especially in a city that prides itself on gothic architecture!!” She aimed to embrace all elements of goth, focusing not just on music – but the subculture as a whole. Including literature, film, architecture and fashion. There have been many craft nights! In general she describes the atmosphere as a “nourishing, positive community!”
She stresses that this is not an elitist, gatekeeping clique. “It’s also really important to me that everyone is included and represented.” A range of drinking and non-drinking events are on offer including chill film nights and bar crawls. I personally have been a member of Gothsoc this year and have met so many wonderful people. Hannah recognises that she has helped friendship groups form as “clearly people are finding their people in this space we’ve created, and everyone feels able to be themselves apologetically!!”
Zoe Gothsoc social sec, also notes that “between the wonky cobblestone streets and the ghost stories below the looming spectre of the Minister – York is a pretty goth place to live.” Like Hannah, she agrees that “anything that keeps the subculture alive and thriving in the social media age is awesome to see.” Zoe has also found social connections through the society that she helped create; “I’ve met so many lovely people through the society already and can’t wait to see how it grows after I graduate.”
There is something quite remarkable about the way students have come together to carve out space for such an expressive community. For those who once struggled to find where they belonged, Gothsoc has become a genuine home. Despite seemingly intimidating aesthetics that outsiders fixate on, it may well be one of the kindest, most welcoming societies here.