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The problem is not macho or machismo culture.
I grew up, and still live in, Texas. I find that in a lot of respects the culture resembles what you have described of Australia.
The important thing is the presentation of oneself as completely self-assured and confident beyond giving a shit what other people think of you. Because they will test you to see how you fit into their society, to see if you can be trusted not to break down. This is a behavior exhibited in all orders of primate.
I'm clearly fairly weird, and don't belong much like the OP- and I only took flack for it once, in middle school, and I responded to it with violence. I never had any problems after that, despite making no effort to integrate into the local culture. You may think of yourself as effeminate but I promise you your reptilian brain knows what it means to defend yourself.
It's a useful lesson that they are trying to impart to you and one that you will carry with you for the rest of your life. Strength and independence. Because you're never going to get acceptance from the apes, so you've got to toe the line or prepare to fight for your right to be different. That's life on this ball of dirt. I'm sorry.
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