To feel uncomfortable in a male-dominated hobby?

[Crichella]

I chose a new hobby over a year ago, which I ADORE. The problem is it's filled with probably over 90% older men, mostly in their 50s, 60s and 70s.

At first it didn't bother me too much, but now I've been doing it for over a year and I'm getting to know more people, I'm finding it a bit uncomfortable. I've got quite friendly with a few of the guys and we'll happily sit and have a coffee and a natter about all things related, which I enjoy, but sometimes they act a bit surprised about a younger female in their 30s engaging in it and seem quite 'over interested' as a result. The odd funny look/stereotypical comment, that sort of thing. They don't mean any harm, but I do feel like the odd one out.

It's probably all in my head I know.

I've tried to network with more ladies doing the same hobby but there aren't that many around!

AIBU? Any tips?

YABU for referring to your hobby without telling us what it is.

What hobby? Sitting round playing a fantasy board game is going to be unique as it face to face. Mixed martial arts not so much

Is it golf? If so look for a different club which has a good ladies section.

They’ve probably done this hobby for many many years and are getting used to more women getting involved. If they say something g that makes you uncomfortable just talk to them about it like you would in any other situation. There’s a massive age gap there too so both sides have lots to navigate but you don’t have to make a big deal about it.

Depends on what the hobby is I suppose?

Gliding/general aviation

I work in a male dominated industry and I wouldn’t want to take up a hobby filled with men. I have enough of that at work. But I’m not there so I don’t know if it’s all in your head or they just being friendly.

I'm guessing model railways.

Aw, I was wrong.

Do they go actually gliding?!

I assume that you’re familiar with Women Gliding?

https://womengliding.co.uk/

@HoldingTheDoor yea I'm part of a few online communities for women. Problem is everyone is scattered around so meet ups don't happen very often.

I do think that unfortunately it is one of those hobbies that’s rather niche, I used to do one too(Falconry) and you had to be willing to travel the length and breadth of the UK for meets if you wanted to make friends/attend events.

My first thought was something aviation related (my dad's into those big flying model aeroplanes ) . I've worked in male dominated industry all my life, I don't mind being the odd girl out but I expect to be treated equally.

You might need a stock of banter/one liners if you get an excess of gormless comments along the line of "better not swear there's a lady here". That's basically how blokes operate. Like "you're lucky I'm here to improve the diversity" etc. or "Come on its 2024 you'd better update your jokes,". In the end you can take or leave it but gliding's awesome, don't leave it to the old men!

@NotMeNoNo this is good advice thank you. I get on fine with many of the blokes to be honest and don't find them difficult to speak to as such, I think I just sometimes feel a bit too 'self aware' that I'm much younger and female and sort of makes me feel a bit weird.
It's hard to explain.