I see that you said you lived in Queens. There is a nature center in Scarsdale (The Greenburgh nature center). They have tons of snakes all incredibly tame from being handled and used for education purposes. Take them there and have them show you their snakes (they take them out and you can pet them) they will also give you pointers on husbandry and where you can find a snake without pet stores. It's a bit of a drive but if your parents are open minded this will help to convince them if not wait until you move out and enjoy the pets you have leo's are great.