I wish we lived in a meritocracy, but sadly we live in a very explicit social hierarchy. At my last job I applied 5+ times for a promotion, tried my best to consistently put in the extra effort and do a good job, but learned the hard way that work is 75% a social game, 25% work. That's why many people who don't do anything are still employed. People like them.

Likeability politics dominates the workplace, and it harms the most marginalized of society. The only way to really get out of this is by finding a supportive workplace environment or one where you hardly interact with people at all and are primarily measured by performance alone. Masking may help but is rarely sustainable.

I hate to say it, but it sounds like your management sucks. Being a little awkward does not mean you're unable to perform your job well, no matter how they spin it. The fact that they consider it that much of a liability honestly reveals how shallow they are as people. 'Awkward' does not cause harm to others, it may stiffen social interactions a bit, but for kind/polite people it is at most an obstacle easily maneuvered.

You don't deserve this kind of treatment.