Like many fellow misfits (spectrum and NT alike), I was often picked on a lot in part because I was overweight and not one of the "cool kids."
Shortly after the beginning of seventh grade, I met my first real friend (who like me was also on the spectrum) and in turn we had each others' back but often a bully or bullies accused us of being gay just because we often hung out together a lot. In fact, two teachers (along with a specialist who worked with me and my friend) joined in the bullying of any misfit instead of getting bullies to stop.
However, a popular girl who I had a huge crush on sometimes had to get bullies to leave us alone by breaking "character." This in turn pissed off other girls she knew and such girls pulled out all the stops to try and get her to stay in "character."
_________________
Silly NTs, I have Aspergers, and having Aspergers is gr-r-reat!