Clearly this thread was meant for men, but I couldn't resist checking it out. I am sorry that you've had these experiences.
Last summer, when I took the Spicy Sprial class at LQS, one of my classmates was a retired gentleman, probably 80-ish. He was a delight. I found it fascinating, though, and will admit that I did ask him about it.
Originally, his wife was to take a beginner's quilting class. The day before the first class, she took a bad fall and suffered a badly broken wrist. So he went with her to that class, thinking to help w/ cutting, etc. and that probably in a few weeks she could do it on her own. Well, she didn't care for it, and he loved it! He's taken several classes since then, made all of his kids and grandkids a quilt, is now working on ones for his great-grandkids. Has made costumes for the whole family for a trip to Disney @ Halloween.
Anyhow, I wonder if maybe these people don't mean to be unfriendly, but are just curious about you and your story?