I just came across this thread and had a terrible bout of empathy for you there JC. I too used to be the school's abuse punching bag and I know how you feel. For you, it seems to be the associations you desire (of which there is nothing wrong with by the way). For me, the abuse was based on Racial and Ethnic slurs due to me moving in from a foreign country.
I wanted to start with that just so you know that I feel for you. It breaks my heart to hear of that kinda junk. It shouldn't happen, but (like Greymane said) humans have a tendency to ostracize what they don't understand or what they don't view as normal.
It sounds though like they are letting up though, which is a good thing. Keep a stiff upper lip and never think you are alone. You have friends there in school (stay close to them, they are true friends if they are willing to stick with you when "the mob" strikes) and you have us here at the Forum.
Just remember: you have rights too. If you want to get super-technical, you can report and state that you have been harassed. Do a bit of research into bullying laws if it gets too intense. I'm sure you'll be pleased with what you see.