If you like nature, the area east of Pittsburgh will be perfect. Depending on where you are living you will be in or near the Laurel Mountain highlands, and the PA wilds, both are beautiful and have excellent hiking. If you like more extreme sports there is even pretty good white water rafting and decent rock climbing down by the WV and Maryland border. On the topic of bordering states WV that state is an underrated gem, and in my opinion the prettiest state on the east coast.

As for homophobia, while it is not nearly as bad as people in the cities make it out to be, it will likely be less welcoming than the major cities. I am straight, but I have a gay friend who moved to a rural part of the region from NYC. He never spoke of any homophobia, but did say that the lack of other gays, and the extremely limited dating options, made living there lonely at times. He ended up moving to Austin Texas about 3 years later, he cited the lack of LGBTQ community and poor dating options.

That being said I do think it depends on where you move, if you are close to Pittsburgh you will have to drive more to nature, but will likely have a more robust LGBTQ community. Also one of the highest rated thigs to do in Johnstown is its gay bar so there must be a decent sized community around there.