Thanks for the replies.

Yes, being myself is key I think. I'm comfortable with my sexuality and if others get confused by it then I suppose that's their problem really.

As for the friend, I think he was just a bully. I suppose a lot of people have friendships with uneven power balances sometimes and if self esteem is at a low, it makes us more vulnerable to them.

It's a nice feeling to step out from under other people's shadows and just enjoy life for what it is. I'm going to enjoy being single while hoping for the best. As for the girl at work, I've decided to ask her to a gig as we have similar music tastes and take it from there. Maybe we'll just be friends, maybe she'll say no. I think the worse thing I could do is not try. Rejection isn't so bad and at least gives us the opportunity to learn and move on.