There are, unfortunately, unenlightened people everywhere. In the person's defense, they might have had a bad experience before? (poor excuse though!).

Never quite understood this kind of attitude. At my current job, we have I think 10 DBAs among the various groups, and I am 1 of 2 male DBAs. My previous job, 2 out of 6 where female. Some people need to crawl out from under the rocks.

(and this is not to even mention the very many excellent female speakers at conferences and classes!)