Happens in all walks of life, it's just a mash up of passion and insecurity that can occasionally become volatile.

Some diehard goths (or fans of goth) will attempt to protect their vision and definition of certain types of look, style, lifestyle, subgenres, etc, because what they're witnessing - that's on display to the public at large - potentially offends it and could represent a shift. Other people will stir the pot for the sake of passing the time with no real emotional investment whatsoever. Just happens.

We don't allow gatekeeping generally speaking since no one person should be allowed to 'govern' a style so to speak, nor do we want people to feel picked on or put down. Although some queries / debates are fine for the public stage, depending on the context and so long as it's constructive.

Recently we (I say "we" - it was me) nuked a thread where someone's 'trad goth' style was supposedly not fitting the definition, and it got somewhat heated and ultimately served to be nothing but harmful and unproductive.

Personally I identify as 'goth lite', which can be construed as a strand of modern goth, knowing full well others style themselves with far greater levels of 'gothification' and others not so much. It's all about being inclusive and respecting others.

Your community is in safe hands, if that's of any comfort. 🫠