K1QQQ, I'm sorry to hear about your experience. Mine has been pretty much the opposite. I'm a member of two clubs in the Reno/Carson City/Tahoe area, and have enjoyed the people and activities very much. Certainly, there are those who think that one's political views have to meet certain standards - I just don't make a big deal about it. We have old(er) folks (I'm 67), younger ones, men, women, teens - we have die-hard CW operators, repeater users (of all types) digital mode people (I'm one of them - SSB is pretty much useless when I'm able to operate - just S9 noise, mostly) and some very smart people who can help with a variety of technical issues.
I have not been very active for much of my ham life, but I recognize that times change, people change, and technology changes. I used to send and receive QSL cards, but with electronic systems, I rarely do that any more.
I used to be able to do 15wpm CW, but once I got my General ticket, I never used CW again, but I'm starting to re-visit CW, just for fun, and found an old J-38 that I fixed up in case I decide to actually get on the air! I rarely hear CW in my area, either, and usually when I do it is so fast I cannot copy any of it.
I'm hoping you can find a group of hams who are more accommodating, and will help you "ease" into the modern systems and modes. I think you'll find out that it can fun and challenging!
73, Dave, KJ7WT