I had the **** ripped out of my as a kid, and was bullied regularly in school for being a trainspotter.
Kids caught wind of my Fotopic account and often left derogatory comments. I never spoke about it once in school, but combination of modern search engines and my unique surname never helped. I always remember being slated by my entire geography class as my teacher had pulled up my website and decided to give me a critique on my work - I got up and left.
In some aspects, it makes you a stronger person. My father hated it. He wanted me to join the Army or RAF, or get interested in something more 'manly' - I don't understand that comment, and never have. Engines, wheels, oil and mechanics don't scream 'effeminate', do they?
He never saw my judgement until last year (I'm 22 now). I got so far into a DB Schenker apprenticeship assessment. I received my driving competency, and was nearly offered a job offer. I didn't get it. I failed at the corporate meeting where I had to give a presentation.
Now, I'm about to start a job with Network Rail, earning circa £23,000 - Not shabby for a 22 year old. If I didn't have that initial spark of interest, I'd probably still be on Minimum wage. I don't like to think that I suffered for my success, but I had issues with it - not just with school, but with family.
In the end, it's about sticking to your guns. If you feel you have a genuine interest in something - go for it. The world is your oyster. So what if it's trains/buses/planes - You name it, it all makes part of the bigger picture. I learnt so much between 2005 and 2010 with my interest. I learnt how to get around, be street smart, deal with money, how to use tools and most of all, look after myself.
Hell, if you're Gay/Straight/Bi/Pan/Trans, then you've probably already learnt what I've just said. Stick up for yourself, and don't let anyone drag you down.