The Bohemian Spirit: Love, Truth & Beauty

Were the Bohemians the original hippies, punks, and goths of their time? They believed in truth, beauty, love, and freedom. Many were artists, painters, and writers.

The 2001 musical, romantic drama Moulin Rouge, directed, produced, and co-written by Baz Luhrmann, was my gateway into the punk and goth subculture.

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In the 1980s the hippies in America were protesting the Vietnam War.  The hippies were all about peace, love for one another, and freedom for all. 

Even before then, all over the world, there were women who appreciated and loved nature, who were independent and thought for themselves. In Puritan, England in the 1600s witchcraft was declared a felony offense. Many of these women who loved nature and knew about herbs and natural remedies were burned at the stake for being different.

This early genesis eventually turned into punk which, again, started in England in the1980s and 1990s. The punk movement was about anti-monarchy, pro-freedom for all, and anti-war.

One of the most recognizable fashion designers of the 20th and early 21st centuries was Vivienne Westwood. She was very instrumental in bringing modern punk and new- wave fashions into the mainstream. Vivienne also shared the bohemian principles in her clothing designs.

Vivienne was among the first designers to hire models who were African American and Asian American before it was cool.  She has said she was an activist from a young age. There is a saying in the punk community that a true punk is not racist, homophobic, or transphobic.

This idea eventually morphed into what we now call the goth movement, which started around the same time also in England.

The Bat Cave was one of the most popular goth clubs and hangouts in 1980s England and kickstarted the goth movement in London’s Soho district. It then spread to the United States, as well as around the world.

An example of a goth icon who shares the bohemian values that are also a part of the goth movement, is Elvira. 

Her character was featured in a popular TV show,  The Elvira Show , in which the character reviewed movies. She eventually had her own movies. Her character is a smart, sexy, empowered woman who doesn’t let anyone mess with her and is also able to poke fun at herself.

The character of Elvira became a goth icon, but the actress behind Elvira, Cassandra Gay Peterson, is an LGBTQ+ and animal rights activist.  She also advocates for many other civil and human rights movements. She eventually came out as a lesbian.

When people encounter punk and goth and only see the black clothes, spikes, and fishnet stockings, they miss the strong moral values and world view which include pro-freedom, pro-acceptance of others, pro-LGBTQ+ rights, and the beauty of the night.

These movements are a way of life that happen to have clothing that can go along with it. But it never was only about the clothing!

I identify with these counterculture movements. I am a part of punk and goth subcultures, and I give it nods through the clothes I wear, the music I listen to, and the books I read.  I also bring the bohemian values from punk and goth into my writing, and I bring the bohemian spirit into my worldview — pro-freedom, pro-LGBTQ+, and seeing the beauty in what people would find dark, scary, or witchy. I celebrate all these things in my own life.     

Being a part of these subcultures have made me feel accepted and good about myself. My community will be a safe and welcoming place for you guys to be a part of, as well.

What community makes you feel accepted and understood, and why?