Hey. :)
What is Heaven like; appearance and rewards?
You can check this:
http://www.islamicboard.com/hereafte...-paradise.html
Those who testify that there is none worthy of worship except God (known as Allah in arabic), and that Muhammad (peace be upon him) is God's slave and final Messenger. Then proves this with belief in his/heart, on his/her tongue, and through his/her actions, and dies in that state - then they will be the dwellers of the Paradise which God has promised his righteous servants.
(bein' gay, this next question strikes me as important)
If a homosexual remains celebate throughout his/her life(or tries), tried and failed to shake the thoughts away, however is a devout Muslim otherwise, can he/she get into Heaven for his/her efforts?
If a person does not do a sin, i.e. if they want to fornicate but do not do so out of love for God, fear of His punishment and hope for His reward. They will be rewarded for that, it will be a source of reward for them and not a form of punishment.
If a believer does fall into sin, they will find God the Ever Merciful, and since we are all prone to sin, He wants to forgive us. So we should repent to Him, mend our ways and ask for forgiveness if we ever do so. Then He will change our evil deeds into good, and raise that person in goodness, in this world and the one to come. God loves those who do good, and turn away from evil.
Also in regard to your question specifically, The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Allah/God has pardoned my people for what they think in their minds as long as they do not speak about it or act upon it.” [Sahîh al-Bukhârî and Sahîh Muslim]
Explanation of that Prophetic narration
http://www.islamtoday.com/showme2.cf...sub_cat_id=780
All those who apply the believe in the testification that there is none worthy of worship except God, and that Muhammad (peace be upon him) is God's slave and final Messenger. Then proves this with belief in his/heart, on his/her tongue, and through his/her actions, and dies in that state. Even if they have done many wrongs in this life, and even if they did not repent and mend their ways, they may be punished in the hellfire for a temporary while, or may be forgiven by God on the Day of Judgement by His Mercy. Yet those who believed and did good works for the pleasure of God will reach the safe home of Paradise in the end, yet those who disbelieve and belie the signs of God, they will be punished in the hellfire for eternity for their ungratefulness. Yet God has said (translation of the meaning):
Why should Allâh/God punish you if you have thanked (Him) and have believed in Him. And Allâh is Ever All*Appreciative (of good), All*Knowing.
[Qur'an 4: 147]
Peace.