What does it mean to be a vampire? Is vampirism a religion? Is it a fantasy? Today's vampires are best understood as an identity group that has caused a profound change in how individuals choose to define themselves. Readers will meet "lifestyle" vampires, who adopt a culture and a gothic ascetic associated with the vampires of art and legend, and "real" vampires, who feel they must consume blood and/or psychic energy for their well being.