Careful about how you say, "persecuted" that is a powerful word, even if you say it's just little. I believe some Christian are ignorant as they not know what they say. When we are raised since childhood to believe in only one thing, that is ignorance to anyother belief we are not properly educated about. Some Christians are not properly educated in what Christianaty is all about. God gave his only son to save us from sin. Jesus taught us to love thy neighbor as you love yourself. That means regardless of their religion, race or sex. Christians that are educated about Christ would not condem or persecute others because of their beliefs. With age comes wisdom, I was once a kid like that till I found out what it meant to KNOW JESUS. Educated Christians would pray to the Lord for those who don't KNOW JESUS and what it means to have a relationship with HIM and not talk bad about others....REGARDLESS....
So don't feel bad for their ignorance. Just like a baby still learning to walk, be patient with them if they are your true friends. In time the Lord will find their hearts and all will be well.
I will pray for you and your friends, that He may educate all on what it means to have a relationship with Christ Jesus.