I have a similar problem and am too looking for a resolve.
3 of my friends, 1 of which is a really good friend of mine, hates my other friend which I met through my good friend, ironically enough.
Now, they think he's "gay" (but not litterally), "fag", and "annoying". He's still cool, he doesn't bother me. They say he's really annoying and likes to talk too much.
I try to not have a stance in it, and I try not to tell them if I do anything with him... like movies... paintball... airsoft... but the problem is... is that he's a really cool guy but my friends think otherwise. It pisses me off how we can't all hang out together now.
My friend's tell me about him like this...
btw the one they think is annoying is called Derik.
My good friend told me this:
"Derik's such a fag and he's so annoying. He called me telling me that he just got off the phone with you. Now he thinks he's all cool because he just finished talking on the phone with you." David (another friend) just called me and told me also that Derik told him the same, that he had just finished talking with me.
I guess I'm popular now aint I?