Inside Aggie BATS: UC Davis’ Goth and Alternative Society

From ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’ raves to Goth Galas, the group fosters self-expression free of judgment 

By ADITYA SHUKLA — features@theaggie.org

Initially apprehensive to participate, all it took for Hazel Herzog, a second-year environmental policy analysis and planning and art double major, to become a fully invested member of Aggie BATS (Beautiful And Thoughtful Souls), UC Davis’ Goth and Alternate Society, was a makeup modeling call. Herzog’s drive to participate in the club came from the widely diverse community at many of their events. 

“I was really nervous that there would be that judgment of like, ‘Am I showing up enough?’” Herzog said. “But when I got there, there were people [who] looked all different ways, all different majors, [had] all different interests, and that made me feel a lot more welcome. I was like, ‘Okay, like I can belong here too.’”

Aggie BATS founder Juliana Cardoza, a fourth-year cognitive science and design double major, explained that this newcomer experience exemplifies the community she hopes Aggie BATS fosters, even beyond her graduation. 

“We're open to anyone: queer, straight, whatever,” Cardoza said. “We're here to support anyone no matter what. We don't judge a book by its cover.” 

Cardoza recalled how the club started with a very simple idea: to create an alternative, goth-centered club to serve as a safe space for students to express themselves. The actual process of starting the club was simple, according to Cardoza. A get-together with three of her friends as well as a $35 submission to the Center for Student Involvement was enough to get the ball rolling for Aggie Bats. A year later, the Aggie BATS Instagram account, @aggiebats, has reached nearly 2,000 followers and its events — musical and cultural events, fashion shows and more — receive a consistent attendance of over 400 people. 

The club recently celebrated its one-year anniversary, and has since held multiple major events, including a “Five Nights at Freddy’s” themed rave on Oct. 28 to a Goth Gala on Halloween, where students and local community members enjoyed multiple performances from local bands alongside an opening DJ set by Cardoza herself. 

“I've done so much for [Aggie Bats],” Cardoza said. “It literally has flourished into something I would have never expected. And it makes me so happy, and I love being a part of this scene — getting to know people, being respectful and kind to everyone and just being [part of] such a welcoming space.” 

Herzog shared that one of the main reasons why she continues to participate in Aggie BATS events is the club’s inclusivity to non-students, who often routinely travel from cities such as Woodland and Sacramento to attend raves and shows. These visitors include Herzog’s boyfriend, Miles Fadum, a second-year American River College student who began participating in Aggie BATS events at the start of this quarter. Fadum emphasized how easy it was for him to start making friends through the club. 

“[As soon as I] walked into the room, [I] felt a sense of acceptance and nonjudgment,” Fadum said. “It was really relieving because I just moved [into the Sacramento area]. I don't know anyone here other than [Herzog], but it felt really natural to just go up to anyone in the club and talk to them.” 

Aggie BATS has many future plans lined up, from large raves to functions highlighting the board members' cultural backgrounds. 

These events are often co-hosted with different clubs — for example, the recent “Five Nights at Freddy’s” rave was also a collaboration with UC Davis’ Partridge Records label. Cardoza noted that partnerships often benefit both parties, as students attending these events are introduced to other clubs on campus. 

On a final note, Herzog encouraged similar newcomers to shake off any previous expectations with alternate spaces. Regardless of how they express themselves, she said she hopes they feel part of the Aggie BATS society. 

“You can be super alternative, or you can be not alternative at all,” Herzog said. “If you have any creative interests — interests in fashion, interests in music — you will find a space in this club, especially with the different people that are there. Find a space with them and meet so many friends. It's such a good opportunity.”

Written by: Aditya Shukla — features@theaggie.org