Music is usually based on quality and content. A part of the artists/band’s image does help to sell and promote records.
There a big difference in commercial aspect, for example two of the biggest selling artists of all time Elton John, George Michael are gay performers but do not activity promote the images within their songs as opposed to certain bands or artists that actively promote Hi-NRG genre and homosexuality in the songs and as an image, extreme example Erasure, Frankie goes to Hollywood, etc.
Others like top celebrities like David Bowie, Janis Joplin, and Freddie Mercury who were BISEXUAL.
Freddie Mercury never promoted the homosexuality within his songs. Also the messages in his songs are about love (all reference to Freddie Mercury’s girl friend Mary Austin), life and the future. But some were also inspired or written for his other girlfriend Barbara Valentin. After all these year I’m still laughing at the comments that everybody knew Freddie Mercury was gay.. :)
Anyhow, whichever lifestyle, preference someone chooses is entirely their choice.
Within the industry there are many that wish to remain anonymous on their preferences and really depict complete opposite images for a public profile , this is a historical trend , examples , Little Richard , Sammy Davies Jr,
Known gay artist:
Elton John ,
George Michael
Tracy Chapman
Long John Baldry
Micah Barnes
Andy Bell
Pete Burns
Michael Callen
Holly Johnson
Limahl
Barry Manilow
Johnny Mathis
Linda Perry
Labi Siffre
Tanita Tikaram
Will Young
Whether or not you perceive them with talent, reflected through popularity chart success or individual merit is entirely your choice.