The psychology of heavy metal identity: The intersection between gender, ethnicity, dis/ability, and sexuality

This chapter looks at the psychology of identity among metal music fans through the intersection of identity facets based on gender, dis/ability, ethnicity, and sexuality. The heavy metal subculture may promote inclusivity and unity of outsider identities as a value, but the extent to which inclusion is a reality can differ based on the region, the subgenre of metal the person is associated with, and the aspect of themselves that may differ from metal’s historically heterosexual, white, and male predominate fanbase. Metal cultural identity can provide many psychological functions, including providing a sense of belonging, a tool for mood maintenance, and it can provide a coping mechanism. Experiences of discrimination within and outside of metal can differ, and there may be dissonance experienced when aspects of an individual’s identity based on gender, sexuality, dis/ability, and/or ethnicity conflict with aspects of their metal identity. Theories from social psychology are used to contextualize reoccurring themes from qualitative interviews with twelve heavy metal fans of differing ethnic, geographic, gender, dis/ability, and sexuality backgrounds. Individuals explain how they navigate each element of their identity within heavy metal culture with a focus on the psychological functions that are provided by metal music culture, including the ability to cope in the face of adversity.