don't let your (ridiculous) fear of being ridiculed keep you from going where you think you should be.
if there really are some self-absorbed idiots in the gym who would even look at you cross for how ever you look, remember they are the idiots, not you.
i had that same fear throughout my middle and high school and started going to the gym pretty much late, and i'm so sorry for all the time i've lost just cause of my inability to confront my fears.
now i don't have that body i could've had if i had started in my formative years.
i think many of you telling the guy to avoid the gym are actually enabling his fear. you should confront it, and don't forget, you are soon going to look better and better, and your self-image will change also.
unfortunately, we are all aware that in the gay world, good body is almost a compulsory requirement.
not just for sex, even your social status depends on it.
so, just go with it, and never give up on self-improvement cause of a few mean glances from some nobodys.