There's this guy...but?

The only way to handle this is to do what you feel is right for you. If you really like this guy, you owe it to yourself to find out if there's something there - you never know, he could turn out to be the love of your life! And if he isn't - well, at least you tried and found out. As for the friends - if they don't support you in what you do, what kind of friends are they anyway? Keep the friends who are genuinely concerned about you and your well-being, and don't listen to the ones who are just prejudiced about a guy who's a bit different than them. Good luck!