Odd revelation and venting frustration

I see the same statement over and over again. Are self-published authors really not taken as serious as those that went the traditional route? If so, that would explain a lot that I've noticed since I've released my book. I've tried to throw my hand in writing contests, only to see some gatekeepers crossing their spears. Some contests excluded my because I wasn't a female, traditionally published, younger than 20, wasn't published last year, or the entry fee was too high for my wallet.

I lost my sight, my car, and struggle to eat a meal everyday due to the situation I was put in, and my sacrifice to write my book. With the risk I took to make my situation better, It would be disheartening to know that I mean nothing because I couldn't go the traditional route. Seems kind of unjust in my opinion when you are told that you wasted your time. Is this really a rich person's game, meant for those that everyone already backs with support?

There, my frustration has been vented, hopefully.