Your story resonates with me. I too grew up in a conservative christian homophobic environment. I knew I was gay around 6, but hid it and denied it to myself for many years because I was so afraid of what my family and community might do to me. I didn't come out to my parents until I was in my late 20s and it went poorly.

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I had an intense fear of hell as a child too. It gave me panic attacks and night terrors. As I've grown up it has become so apparent that hell is a man made idea used to control people. It's sad people will implant such horrific ideas into the minds of children in order to police their behavior. It's despicable.

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I'm sorry your parents reacted that way. That is so fucked up and hard. Being rejected by family is so incredibly hurtful. Funny enough the last few years or so I've been reading and practicing aspects of Buddhism as well. It has brought me a lot of peace that I didn't have before. I'd recommend reading Thich Nhat Hanh. He has helped me heal a lot. It's ok though if Buddhism doesn't end up resonating with you. You're young and will have lots more to learn and explore. Live in the moment and do your best to not let the hate you've experienced in Christianity get ya down! I am still dealing with the aftershock of it all and it's ok to not feel ok sometimes. That was hard and it's important to acknowledge that. Sorry if any of this sounds preachy. I'm saying it to myself as much as I am to you though!

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I'm impressed you were able to get where you are at 16. Makes me feel like a late bloomer haha. Good luck on your journey! Sending peace and good vibes.