How can i support my gay friend without falling out with my mates?

[TheVoiceofReason]

My friend, whom i have known for years came out as an uphill gardener a couple of months ago. I did not know he did not want 'outed' as a homo so i told all the boys down the factory where we work....the trouble is as soon as they found out that he was a puddle jumper they started calling him horrible names like 'poof' and 'shirtlifter', i feel as though i am partly to blame for telling them he is good with colours but what can i do to support him?