Q: So what is Straight Edge?
A: Straight Edge is a term coined in the 80s to represent a lifstyle revolving around abstaining from alcohol,
tobacco, illegal drugs and promiscuous sex. Straight Edge "began" in the 1980s east coast hardcore punk
scene, with bands like Minor Threat (whose leader, Ian Mackaye, penned the anthems "Straight Edge" and
"Out Of Step"), Gorilla Biscuits and Youth Of Today promoting the lifestyle through their music. Straight Edge
carried on into the 90s and grew as a movement, with bands like Earth Crisis and Strife passing the message
on. Now, national Straight Edge acts like Throwdown, Champion, Love Is Red and The Promise are gaining
more and more mainstream attention, and Straight Edge is bigger than ever. There is no real count as to just
how many people worldwide claim Edge, but its easily in the hundreds of thousands, if not the millions (!)

Q: Where did the X's originate?
A: The X's come from the policy many venues with a bar would and still implement, where those too young to
drink would have an X drawn on their hand to signify they couldn't drink. Now, the X's you see edge kids
wearing at shows represent the fact that they choose not to freely.

Q: How do you become Straight Edge?
A: You simply CHOOSE to be. There's no initation process or anything like that. Being Straight Edge is some-
thing you decide for yourself. There's no age limit, dress code or music playlist requirement. You don't have
to like hardcore, or X up for shows; all you have to do is follow the basic tenets. Many think it wise to live
clean and sober a year before "claiming" Straight Edge.

Q: What about caffeine?
A: Once again, many kids who claim edge drink caffeinated drinks. Some choose not to. Again, it's up to you
to decide what is right for yourself.
 
Q: Do Straight Edge kids have sex?
A: Yes, believe it or not, Straight Edge kids do have sex. However, PROMISCUOUS SEX (multiple partners)
and unprotected sex are looked down upon.
 
Q: Is Straight Edge a gang?
A: Absolutely not. Straight Edge doesn't fit the parameters of a gang: there's no leader, there's no structure.
It's a personal choice that people all over the world have chosen to take on.
 
Q: Is Straight Edge a violent movement?
A: This is a question that needs to be answered in a couple of different ways. Are there kids who are more
militant about their beliefs? Yes. Are there kids who will defend themselves if they are provoked or attacked
by someone persecuting them for their beliefs? Yes. Does this make Straight Edge a violent movement?
No. Why? Because the vast majority of kids who claim edge do not engage in violence or try to "push" their
beliefs on others. And never let someone tell you that you are pushing your beliefs on them simply because
you are wearing a T-shirt that promotes Straight Edge or because you are X'd up for a show. All you are
doing is showing the world that Straight Edge is a part of your life, something you are proud of.