rationalskepticism.org

Hi Simon and welcome, I do understand the finding friends issue, when I left religion I felt socially isolated as either some of the old friends refused to associate with me or I was reluctant to associate with them as didn't wish to be harassed. Some of the harassment was well meant I understand as they wished to save me.. But was still something to be avoided. In more secular societies this less of an issue or even no issue at all, but guess a large desert city in the US South not really in that group. I basically had to reinvent my social life and did so by seeking out my few secular friends and acquaintances and being open about my 'problem', I found a few that connected me into new social works and so the process continued. This took quite a bit of time.
Other things to consider is to join clubs or associations that are general and have no religious link, even if some of the members are religious if you come in as a secular person then that is you reinventing yourself. There may be be a secular humanist or similar organization in your city.