Thanks for bringing up this point, John. First of all, Nelson needs to know Eric is willing to come out. Else there would be no point of taking him on a date.
Secondly, he's comfortable with Jasper and will say and do things in his presence which he won't do in a crowd. So the whole bragging matter is just between them.
Thirdly, standing up against bigots is more or less the only principle which will overcome his natural shyness. Nelson hates bullies with a passion and since he does not have to fear them physically, he speaks up against them for himself and others. Otherwise he's fairly reticent, and joining the drama club is his way of trying to work on that.
But I do agree he's chicken about the whole dating thing. However, Nelson is in love with a guy whom he thought was unobtainable. Give the poor bloke a chance to get up his courage. LOL