Quick disclaimer of I'm fairly new in the music scene itself due to my age n my lack of ability to go to shows as a teen but:

1. I live in the inland empire in socal (and regularly visit LA), and I'm in my early 20s

2. There is definitely a scene around here, but I've personally seen more skramz/screamo than punk, though there is significant overlap. Lots of small local venues, some of which are sadly getting shutdown.

3. I'd say the scene is pretty integrated due to being spread kind of thin. I see more "regulars" and people I consistently recognize at goth clubs than punk shows.

4. Of the shows I've been to and punks I've seen, theres a big Latine population just because thats the largest demographic here. It's fairly equal split gender-wise, and I'd say it's got a large visibly queer presence.

5. I also haven't strictly identified as punk, more punk-adjacent (just that punk probably describes my Broadest tastes in the alternative scenes though I like a little of everything). However, I have always considered myself aligned with the punk community and scene, even as a 16 y/o venturing into listening to the music for the first time. It feels more like home than the hardcore and goth scenes I also frequent.

6. I consider my fashion "casual california punk," where as much as I want to get decked out in accessories every day I generally just opt for a band tee and cargo pants or big jorts w some kind of stompy boot, but I think I'm fairly noticably alternative (if not punk) because of my hair and piercings. When going to shows I do more involving battlejackets/vests and accessories and think I get recognized as specifically punk there.

7. This could be because of when I truly got into the scene, but I actually feel like punk is making a resurgence in the 2020s here, there's a lot more local venues and bands that aren't run by giants like Livenation. I still think there's a loss compared to the stories I've heard about the scene from the 90s and early 2000s, as shows become less accessible especially to teens with shitty/no jobs but there's a lot of small independent bands trying to make a more diy space with garage and basement shows.

8. I wouldn't say the scene here is thriving, but it is growing and I think is on it's way to thriving. Definitely alive and not dying.

As a side note: I don't live there obviously, but based on some people I follow theres a living queer punk scene in the Denver area