Sir, just as it has taken you more than a decade to overcome your fear and your hesitancy, the same will have to given to others as well. You were ready to take the courageous step forward, I commend you for that. However, do not feel disheartened about the response you got for your initiative. It would not be wise to judge an entire community on the stupid naiveity of a few. And this rule applies to both- the majority as well as the minority.
It would be very sad if you were not to persist with your initiative. But i repeat, yours is a courageous step and in my humble opinion, you ought to continue wiht such an approach