I'm curious to know how well trans people in particular are accepted in the metal community? I can't seem to find reliable answers online. Is there a lot of acceptance/tolerance or is it fairly phobic?
I think it just depends on the crowd at your local scene. I hang around the Industrial/Goth scene more than the metal scene though, so I can't really say. There are at least 3 people who are trans at the goth club I go to, and they get on with everyone pretty well.
Not had any problems in my local metal club/scene. All been OK with me
I play in two metal bands, and I haven't had much trouble with anyone. If you look confident on stage, male or female, people will learn to respect you.
If people would complain to me about being gay or a gimmick or whatever, I could show them a list of metal bands I played in as my resume.