It seems we have/had a very similar situation. I live in a small town, population is 1890 last it was checked, everyone knows everyone and one person knowing means everyone most likely will x.x; I don't plan on staying here though, as much as I love it, I need to get to somewhere else and start fresh...
My best friend is terrified of women for the most part, he's had bad experiences growing up all his life and has the worst luck with women. I told him about me personally but also gave him an ultimatum. I told him everything, told him I'm not here to betray him or anything like that, I'm still me and will still always be there for him as a true friend, but I made it clear that if he chooses not to accept this about me, I'm not gonna be able to stay friends because it's 100% real and happening and there's nothing that can be done to stop it. Things totally worked out

It just took him time to adjust.