We wear black – and we're proud

DOKA, Claret and Justin are not satanists. Or vampires. They don't slash their wrists, or beat people up – and they don't torture hamsters either.

They're just three regular guys: a builder, a photographer and a hotel worker.

Oh, and they're also goths.

For them, being part of the subculture is a way of expressing their individuality.

They don't want to look like everyone else. They wear flowing coats, huge boots, have their hair long, and sport optional extras such as piercings, tattoos and lipstick.

And their favourite colour, in case you hadn't guessed, is black.

The trio actually prefer the word 'alternative' to describe their lifestyle.

And they are not alone. They were among more than 100 goths who marched through Plymouth city centre to mark the anniversary of the mob killing of Sophie Lancaster, in Manchester, because of the way she dressed.

And the huge goth subculture supports dedicated club nights in Plymouth with up to 1,000 people visiting Union Street's C103 on Fridays, and 200 at the Voodoo Lounge's Dark Angels nights on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

It's a sizeable minority, which the lads say is supportive and unthreatening.

Like everyone, they just want to belong. But in this case, being accepted by like-minded people opens you to being shunned, abused and even attacked by others, often so-called normal people.

"There is a lot of stigma attached to the word goth," said Justin Kelso, a 31-year-old builder from St Judes. "It's is a word used by people, who are not alternative, to slag us off."

He partly blames the media and Internet and said: "There is always negative press about goths. You see parents pull their kids out of the way if we walk down the street."

"I know someone who had to move to another part of Plymouth because the neighbours were sending death threats," said Doka Chapman, aged 20. He is a photographer from Ugborough, who wears four-inch platforms, and, sometimes, women's clothing.

"A few years ago, if you walked down Union Street it was a death sentence, but not now.

"My mum doesn't mind washing my clothes, but has a problem with the skirts and dresses. She's just worried for my safety."

And Justin added: "Goths are not afraid to go out – we're proud and dress as we want.

"But because people are not allowed to be racist or sexist they take their paranoia and aggression out on goths.

"But goths are not aggressive. They care about each other."

Claret Gurnell, aged 25, from Derry's Cross, a hotel night auditor, said: "We're not looking for a fight. How many goths have Asbos?"

There are other misconceptions: "I don't know any satanists," said Justin. "I know a few pagans but that's an alternative lifestyle. I'm a pagan."

"Christian goths are not unheard of," added Claret. "And we're not all depressed, sitting in a corner self-harming."

"Goths are quite up-beat," said Justin.

So what about those hamster accusations?.

"Animal cruelty – that's ridiculous," said Claret. "I wanted to be a vet."

"I've got a boa constrictor," said Justin.

"I've got six tortoises, a cat, three goldfish and a horse," said Doka.

"We're not really any different," insisted Justin. "There is nothing scary. It's a slight difference in attitude.

"We're proud of who we are, our individuality and attitudes. Maybe that's why people are scared.

"I don't want to be classified as a normal person, but I probably am.

"Most goths have jobs or are at college or university.

"Everything we put on is a form of self-expression. Its about taste in music, an alternative. It's a life choice.

He said goths come from every walk of life, and there's variation in the music they like, and the fashions.

"It's incredibly varied, that's the good thing," said Justin. "It's all about individuality. Goths celebrate that; they don't want to blend in.

"A lot are bringing new things. It's evolving. Everyone is accepted," he added. "We like a bit of a laugh. It's a camaraderie, a brother and sisterhood. It's a nice scene. You express yourself through your music and don't have to chin people.

"Housewives should not be scared or tell their children we're evil, because we really are not."

"Live and let live, as long as you are not hurting anyone," said Claret.

And Doka added: "There's nothing better than being in C103 on a Friday, back to back with a bloke you don't know, sweating profusely, doing air guitar solos."

And Justin added: "Why would anyone not want a night out like that?"