In debate it does not matter if you have 'friends' or not. If you hold a pricipled belief or opinion you stick to it unless someone presents evidence to make you reconsider. You don't change your view because it is the minority.
I cannot be upset by people I don't know. I can be annoyed by people's opinions and attitudes and offer my opinion on the same issue. I can be empathetic to situations and offer advice.
I have done both and people, who do not know me, tell me I am wrong, unkind, thoughtless etc. Never usually the OP though!
I have been to a few meet ups in the past and met some lovely women. We were able to share a happy couple of hours over coffee , cakes or wine..that does not make us clones in our opinions