Hi, Chris
I'm glad to know that you are quilter. My husband (now passed) used to do a lot of needlepoint work. I have his works all over the house. It was neat to see him at work. In the later years, when he went to dialysis three times a week, he used to take his needlepoint with him. I would love to see the looks on others faces as they watched him with his needle. I always wanted to ask them 'where was it written that only females do needlework'? So, from my perspective, I'm very glad to have you among the quilters of the world.
As for the LQS, there is one here in town that when I have been there, I've been treated just as you describe, even though I am a typical-looking female quilter. Perhaps it's just that the particular LQS has really bad customer service and it doesn't matter if your male or female.
Revel in your skills, and don't let boorish clerks dampen your spirits. I appreciate having you on this board.