Keeping in mind that I refer to my hobby as "cryptofolk research," when in fact I am a certified, ghost-chasing paranormal researcher, I'd like to say that there is nothing wrong with having an "unusual hobby."
My guess it that your co-workers have never met anyone who does this sort of thing and can not process it via their regular methods of classification. They are probably wondering if "does historic reenactments" goes under Game Playing or Weird Sexual Practices. :0)
When I tried to explain to The Beloved Object that Puggles' hobby was LARP, frankly he was at a loss as to how to grasp the concept. And this is someone who has played D&D. He's pretty shy, so the idea that adults would want to run around in costume pretending to be someone else all weekend sounds strange. My guess is that your co-workers are in the same boat. If I were you, I'd bring in some photos to share so they can see that this is a bunch of normal people who have a fun and interesting hobby.
Also consider this point, if you were part of a theater company that put on Shakespeare in the Round or a RenFair performer, do you think they would have reacted differently? I doubt it. You are an interesting person with an interesting past time. Don't be afraid to share it with others. You are normal. Go be normal.
One last point, just because I thought of this. Everyone is enthusiastic about their hobby, sometimes it's what you live for and the reason you work; but its only really quirky when you decide you need to wear your Star Fleet Uniform to jury duty. That's when it becomes a news item.
no subject
My guess it that your co-workers have never met anyone who does this sort of thing and can not process it via their regular methods of classification. They are probably wondering if "does historic reenactments" goes under Game Playing or Weird Sexual Practices. :0)
When I tried to explain to The Beloved Object that Puggles' hobby was LARP, frankly he was at a loss as to how to grasp the concept. And this is someone who has played D&D. He's pretty shy, so the idea that adults would want to run around in costume pretending to be someone else all weekend sounds strange. My guess is that your co-workers are in the same boat. If I were you, I'd bring in some photos to share so they can see that this is a bunch of normal people who have a fun and interesting hobby.
Also consider this point, if you were part of a theater company that put on Shakespeare in the Round or a RenFair performer, do you think they would have reacted differently? I doubt it. You are an interesting person with an interesting past time. Don't be afraid to share it with others. You are normal. Go be normal.
One last point, just because I thought of this. Everyone is enthusiastic about their hobby, sometimes it's what you live for and the reason you work; but its only really quirky when you decide you need to wear your Star Fleet Uniform to jury duty. That's when it becomes a news item.