In ancient greek (and maybe in contemporary Greek for all I know, I've not studied it) there are several words for love: two of which have relevence here: agape and eros.
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Greek words for love
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There are a number of different Greek words for love, as the Greek language distinguishes several different senses in which the word "love" is used. For example, Ancient Greek used the words philia, eros, agape, and storge to refer to different aspects of love. However, as with many other languages, it has been historically difficult to separate the meanings of these words totally. Nonetheless, the senses in which these words were generally used are given below. The first four words have also been discussed from a Christian perspective in the The Four Loves by C. S. Lewis.
Agapē (ἀγάπη agápē) means "love" in modern day Greek. The term s'agapo means "I love you" in Greek. The word "agapo" is the verb "I love". In Ancient Greek it often refers to a general affection or concern, rather than the physical attraction suggested by "eros"; agape is used in ancient texts to denote one's feeling for a good meal, one's children, and the feelings one has for a spouse. The verb appears in the New Testament describing, amongst other things, the relationship between Jesus and the beloved disciple. Many Christian scholars have consequently argued that the verb's use in the New Testament is simply to describe God's love for humanity. In the end, "agape" is differentiated from "eros" below. In biblical literature, its meaning and usage is illustrated by self-sacrificing, giving love to all--both friend and enemy. The word "agape" is not always used in the New Testament in a positive sense. II Timothy 4:10 uses the word in a negative sense. The Apostle Paul writes,"For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world...." The word "loved" here is a form of the root word "agape". Thus the word "agape" is not always used of a divine love or the love of God. Generally, in the New Testament it refers to a total commitment or self-sacrificial love for the object loved. The word seems to contain more of an mental or intellectual element than the other Greek words for love. It is a rational love that is not based on total self-interest. By this a Christian is required to love(agape)someone who is not necessarily lovely or loveable. The Christian by God's grace and mercy is required to "love" someone that he may not necessarily like or love in the sense of having warm fuzzy emotional feelings toward. It is a love that acts in the best interest of the other person. The classic biblical text on this self-sacrifical love is the well-known biblical verse, John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son...." A Christian is required to attempt to love his enemies("...Love your enemies..." Matthew 5:44. Thus he is required to always attempt to do good and have the best interest of even his enemies in view when he acts.
Eros (ἔρως érōs) is passionate love, with sensual desire and longing. The Modern Greek word "erotas" means "(romantic) love". Plato refined his own definition. Although eros is initially felt for a person, with contemplation it becomes an appreciation of the beauty within that person, or even becomes appreciation of beauty itself. It should be noted Plato does not talk of physical attraction as a necessary part of love, hence the use of the word platonic to mean, "without physical attraction". Plato also said Eros helps the soul recall knowledge of beauty, and contributes to an understanding of spiritual truth. Lovers and philosophers are all inspired to seek truth by eros. The most famous ancient work on the subject of eros is Plato's Symposium, which is a discussion among the students of Socrates on the nature of eros.
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Allowing for more than one type of love, should make it possible for a person to fall in love with a person that is outside of their sexual range of interest - this could be the love that a straight man has for a male friend, the love that a person has for an age inappropriate person of their normal gender of preference (i.e. the love you might feel for a young relative), and of course the Q in the OP the love that a gay man may have for a woman.
These are NON-SEXUAL feelings though - if you have trouble with the distinction, consider the statement "I love my daughter, but not in the way that I love my wife".
I do however think that for a person to feel erotic love for a person utside of their gender of preference is in some way reliant on self-deception.
Either they are deceiving themselves about thier own sexuality or the do not really erotically love the person in question.
I have no idea how often it happens, but presumably there must be cases of people who live a gay life and then at some point come out as straight?