Good for you, sticking up for the guy. I have to say though, being mean has nothing to do with being gay. I've seen very similar things in all walks of life. I'd even say that the straightest, whitest of them all can probably be the worst. Not sure if most of those folks were college age, but when I was in college, I saw that behaviour A LOT. People were always picking on the low man on the pole.

I bet you'll find though that most won't be too upset over you standing up for someone. If they do give you a hard time, stand your ground and simply tell them it wasn't right, to "kick a man when he's down."