I wouldn't jump to any conclusions about his sexual orientation, either.
You have made mention of his bad childhood. I don't know what all that entails, but I do know that sexual shame and inhibitions acquired in childhood can last well into middle age and beyond if not dragged out into the light, faced, and dealt with. Good counseling sounds like a good path here.
"Show me a completely smooth operation and I'll show you someone who's covering mistakes. Real boats rock." -- Frank Herbert