Asalaamu alaikum sister (I hope soon Inshallah)
Shannon,
let me tell you I completely understand what you are going through, I am going through the same, I am a chinese revert muslim Alhumdulillah. I took my shahadah around a month ago, in fact my story is in new muslim articles. My parents said exactly the same things to me except I didn't tell them before I converted I sprang it on them about 2 weeks ago. They told me that I didnt care about them, I had totally changed, I didn't want to be chinese anymore, brainwashed, selfish etc. They even made me give them back the house key. It seems to me as though you know that you are actually a muslim but have not taken the shahadah because of what will happen eg family relations, friends, school etc. The fact that you defended Islam against your father shows that Allah has already opened you eyes and heart, mind and ears. those who are guided by ALLAH (subhana wa ta'ala) are truly blessed. However shaytan gets very angry when people turn to ALLAH (subhana wa ta'ala) and he makes things difficult for us. ALLAH (subhnana wa ta'ala) also says that just because you have turned to me and the right path Inshallah dont think that I wont test you. My family threatened to disown and I feel that all I have done is cause a lot of unhappiness for my family. ALLAH (subhana wa ta'ala) does not give us more than we can cope with. Sister stay strong in your belief, its so hard especially in western countries but when you embrace Islam your whole life changes. Let me tell you I have never been so happy in my life I feel like I have been given the most precious gift and I truly appreciate, brainwashing is what shaytan does he makes you think that beauty is the best virtue a woman can have, he gets to you through the media , through others ignorance, through convincing you are wrong. Seek protection and guidance in ALLAH (subhana wa ta'ala) and he will protect and guide you. I feel personally a big empty hole has been filled in my life also you get a whole new extended family lots of brothers and sisters who will love you for who you are and care for you for who you are. Embrace this gift that ALLAH (subhana wa ta'ala) has given you and you will reach happiness in this life and in the hereafter. Women in Islam are equal and are valued for their most feminine qualities those of love and care, and the things that only a woman can do. It gave me the guts to demand the rights and respect that muslim women have ( my non practicing muslim boyfriend is now a trying very hard to practice fiance) we were together for 4 years and I never dared to demand that he marry me or get stuffed. In Islam family are so important you must never disrespect your parents or anything like that but you relgion comes first. My parents problem was the islamic clothing and the headscarf as long as I dont wear it they will be happy with me however I will not and cannot promise this to them as I will not go against what ALLAH (subhana wa ta'ala) has ordained also a muslim it is wrong to lie especially to your parents. We are not going to agree on this issue as neither side will compromise i will not compromise my religion and they will not compromise their request. I have never felt so bad in my life but I can only pray that ALLAH (subhana wa ta'ala) guides me on the right thing to do as He knows best what is good for me. This is one of my personal jihads. (jihad as in battle against what is wrong)
I hope that it doesn't sound like i'm preaching as that was not the intention but just to help you and know that we are here to help you. If you like you can private message me anytime or we could swap email if you want some siterly support. As a revert I can say that my heart hurts to hear your story as it is so similar to mine. I hope that you will Inshallah take shahadah soon when you are ready and then we can be sisters in Islam. This site has so many wonderful people and is a great source of muslim strength. I will make Du'a for you Shannon
May ALLAH (subhana wa ta'ala) make your journey to Islam easy and keep you on the straight path. May ALLAH (subhana wa ta'ala) allow us to do good deeds and earn rewards so that one day we may all meet in Jannah (paradise) in the hereafter. May ALLAH (subhana wa ta'ala) keep you safe sister.
Wa alaikum asalaam
Your sister in Islam
revert muslimah