I'm sorry that you've had such bad experiences along the way, but be proud that you haven't been discouraged and are still quilting and finding alternatives. I have had some of the same experiences, but I was a lot older than you. However, I would find 1 or 2 people who accepted me and let it grow from there. Don't get discouraged. I once joined a local quilt guild, was welcomed by most of the women there, in fact I even served as president for 2 years, but I have to say there were certain cliques that did not welcome new people. Keep quilting, keep searching and you will find a great group of quilters who welcome you with open arms.