Xena and Gabrielle, I feel, were both quite straight women that were very good friends. In fact, I would argue that implying they were lovers is actually sexist. If you think about it, TV and movies have had countless examples of male friendships that were like brothers that never became sexual. Never even implied. Now yes, there is slash fic, but that's not supported by the actual shows. Kirk and Spock, Lone Ranger and Tonto, Batman and Robin, Batman and Superman, Rocky and Apollo, Hercules and Iolaus--all great friendships, but all straight guys.
So why can't women have a relationship like that? Xena and Gabrielle were two women that had that kind of friendship and bond, but I feel that's all it was. It's arguable that a friendship like that is even better.
My big issue with that show was more about how Gabrielle magically became an amazing fighter because she had a staff.
Yes, she spent some time with Amazons and a lot of time with Xena, but both Xena and the Amazons trained throughout their lives to be that good. Gabrielle was a little late to the party to be as good as she was.
Xena was easy to accept as a fierce warrior. But not Gabrielle. At least for me.