The books about James Bond were about a middle aged, tall, white British male. To change the book story by changing the character would deviate from it altogether. Have another film altogether with a gay or female agent. Just don't change what James Bond is suppose to be.
It's like superman. He has to be a strong, dark haired, tall, brown eyed white male with an American accent (Cavil modified his accent for that purpose). It's how it is. You don't change it. If you want a gay superman, create a new hero.
This is political correctness gone mad!