I think some of this has to do with age, as well. As the middle age father of two twenty-ish daughters, one of which is VERY bright, and somebody with decades

I think some of this has to do with age, as well. As the middle age father of two twenty-ish daughters, one of which is VERY bright, and somebody with decades of work experience, I have met a number of very bright women, and I don't think I would discriminate against female coworkers. However, if your peer group is twenty-something men, good luck getting them not to think of you as a twenty-something woman as a potential mate, at least from time to time, rather than "just another coworker". They might want to complement your dress or appearance due to ulterior motives. Not that they shouldn't be polite. Please be sure not to mistake desperation for discrimination :-) Disclaimer: some people are just assholes, sorry.