Why did it take so long to say something?

My friends main response after I came out a couple of weeks ago. I just couldn't answer. Now thinking about it though, I remember one quote from a really good friend of mine that just still sticks with me today. Bro 1: Did you hear Mike is gay?! I mean, it's cool, I don't care. Bro 2: Yeh he's super cool...still a fucking faggot though. (Laughs all around)FYI I am not "mike". Random name for another person I knew.But to answer my friends question, I just didn't feel comfortable at the time. I hated living in the south :/