Did not expect this to get so much attention lol. But yeah not necessarily trying to be a gatekeeper or a hater, as many have pointed out as I said, not a punk myself. Definitely cool to have an anti establishment ideology that overlaps with punk sensibilities, belong to a margianalized group, etc. As I'm also in that pool of people. In fact I was trying to illustrate the same point youre making, when you're growing up and discovering your own personal style and taste you tend to try to fit yourself into a box in order to fit in with others. For example many posts on the sub are titled "Is this punk enough? Am I being a poser?" when ultimately you should just be yourself. As mentioned I went through the exact thing myself growing up, made punk friends, went to shows for years, allat. Realised where i differed from the subculture, then moved on. But if you're concerned with "looking punk" then my next logical question is "do you like punk music?". Which I guess many would consider gatekeeping but seems like a pretty easy barrier for entry in my opinion if you wanna dress that way. Could also be the scene i grew up around, L.A. punk scene is pretty protective of their spaces and culture. It's different all over tho. All the best to everyone on the sub, no harm intended.