The experience of women in Hobby spaces that are seen as masculine.
I went to my first ever reptile convention! It was a lot of fun as someone who grew up around reptiles and now has their own.
This is my hobby, exotic animal care, and I went to talk to others about their animals/knowledge. Unfortunately, I was largely ignored. I can count on one hand the amount of people who engaged with me. However, my husband who has never owned an exotic pet was actively being talked to at every booth. Despite the fact that he was stood behind me and would constantly tell them to talk to me.
They would ask my husband about what animals he has and he would reply with what animals we have. They would ask about enclosure set ups and he would reply honestly that he didn't know as it was all me. Each time they, men and women, would ignore that and not allow me to respond by talking quickly over me to change the subject.
I even experienced twice waiting to hold an animal I was interested in learning more about. In both experiences the individual literally ignored me and walked away.
The animal I did end up purchasing was a very interesting experience. One woman at the table was very kind and interacting with me, letting me hold the animal and answering questions. However, she was a helper at the table and the actual owner of the table literally refused to speak to me. The owner of the table, also a woman, would only talk to my husband who kept trying to get her to talk to me. I wondered if she was going even sell me the animal as she wasn't taking my card or listening when I was asking to pay.
I did get the animal and a starter kit! It was very frustrating but unfortunately not new. This happens in pet stores too when asking about feeder animals and enclosure equipment.
My husband is kind and supportive but he would be happy with one cat. He would never go to a pet store for more than cat food and litter, let alone go to a reptile convention. It's mildlyinfuriating that most people, both genders, believe the hobby is masculine and completely ignore an excited customer.
The picture is of my new Hognose!
Editing to add context based on common comments.
I live in the South, in the Bible Belt. I mostly saw male vendors and customers. Women were there and some unfortunately were also ignoring me. I am short and my husband is over 6 foot. He also looks deceptively older than me. I am not shy, I was trying to engage!