I wonder, why would someone you define your friends judge you for playing... such a smart game? If you know they would judge you then you should realize that you can't call them your friends.
All of my friends know I play chess. I never got judged by them, neither did I get judged by people I knew who didn't like chess. There's no reason to do so anyway.
The thing about being "less male" due to playing chess is absolutely a childish argument. Perhaps your "friends" are very immature, or perhaps they're just ignorant? I'll let you answer the question.
Have a great day
Old school. Virgin sesame oil is best.