I can safely say that I've 'followed' anime for awhile, and that I've met more than a few 'Otaku'. Now, were all aware of the stereotype, that we're all fat guys who live with their mom, or worse. This actually used to be fairly true, but lately I've noticed that all the stereotypes appear to have been broken, and that most people I'm meeting in my travels of the not-so-subculture-subculture fall well outside any stereotypes.

Most of my nerdy friends are younger women, and most of those who I notice are also women, of varying ages. I don't get the impression that very many of them are overly introverted, in fact many of them are somewhat extroverted (if not incredibly eccentric). The males I come across all do seem to be a little more introverted, but they also don't fall within the stereotypes set for them, many of them spending a few hours in the gym a day.

Now it could be that it just looks like this because I'm looking at it only from my own standpoint, and I'm a guy with an extroverted personality and an affinity for extreme sports. It could also be that the stereotype still holds, but that the community is being represented only by a select few outliers who talk a lot.

So what is this? Are there really more female otaku than male? Are the majority of us spending the time we're not watching anime practicing for our next MMA fight? What's going on here, am I just crazy or have we all really been working towards our individual goals of world domination with more than a little success?

you'd be suprised how many "hidden" otaku there are in the world!

I don't think there are actually, because where I'm from, I have more male friends that are otakus, & i regrettably say this, no female friends that are into anime. It obviously just depends on where you're from.
Also, my male friends can only be described as introverted, & the only reason I could think up for me not knowing any female otakus is because they're more...shy? & I'm going to say this honestly, I think the majority of female otakus are fujoshi, which if you didn't know already, are you know, the girls who are into yaoi & stuff. So yeah, maybe they're just embarrassed?
Because I sure as hell I am about it, lol.
Plus, about that kind of 'otaku-stereotype' I totally agree w/ you about it changing or whatever. I'm a very sociable & trendy person & have been told countless times 'Oh, you don't look like you're into that stuff' But sadly I think that stereotype is never going to change, because that's how we were all introduced as looking like at the beginning. & As further proof, all of my male otaku-friends fit that stereotype. ):

Maybe you're just doing it wrong?

Anyway, I was fairly certain that my veiwpoint was a little skewed, because I generally can't stand introverted guys who fit that stereotype.

I have only one female otaku friend and all the others are guys, none of them are overweight either lol. All of them under 21.

And I keep my otaku-ness more secret, you would never guess if you saw me.

Lol maybe. But yeah, I can't stand that stereotype either, but you get attracted to people because you have similar interests, you know? ^.^

because yaoi fan girls everywhere

I think you would guess if you saw me, most people pick out that I'm a pretty hardcore nerd, but don't pair me with the stereotypes (which is nice). It is my job to be a nerd though, and I'm definitely not shy or secretive about it, I've no fear listing all the anime I was watch in front of a crowd of people.

I'm weird though. I'm by no means a natural leader, but I always put myself in leadership positions, so maybe I'm just inclined to contradict myself.

That could be one of the reasons, yes.

Never actually met a legit yaoi fangirl.

I couldn't pull it off, I would wind up telling them that I thought they were pathetic, and have them hate me.

There is no such thing as a female otaku, they do not exist.

In fact, "Otaku" Is only a disease that infects insects.

All of the Otaku that you know are actually giant bugs posing as humans.

Do not let them into your home, they aren't able to enter unless you allow them. Please heed this warning.

So you are a giant bug?
And so am i?
.....Cool
At least i can fly

I know lots of people who watch anime however they are males, one girl I know likes sailor moon, but I don't count her because I mean come on it's sailor moon.

As for fitting the stereo type, umm I dunno I don't pay attention to stereo types.

I don't like using that word, personally. While I can't honestly answer your question, I've met my fair share of female 'otaku'. I don't think there's more than males though.