Gandhi's vow to celibacy: a coincidence or clearing way for activities?

Interesting theory, but no. Gandhi also took a vow of poverty and there's no way you can connect that to uality one way or the other. He was giving up all connections to physical things, like a typical ascetic, and becoming celibate is a natural part of this. He might have been gay, he might not have been gay, but his vow of celibacy shouldn't be seen as evidence either way.