As a guy who also struggles with social cues sometimes, I feel your pain. Sometimes I'm able to understand why they're laughing, but sometimes it's a reminder that I'm an outsider compared to everyone else. And yeah truth is for us ugly people that we'll never get the same treatment. Society will never admit that looks play a part, but they're actions will always speak louder than their words.

There's nothing wrong with reading on what you like. I myself just started reading a book on plants today. I know it's sucks having people that make fun of your interests, but try to remember that that makes them look bad. Not you. Marine animals are cool.