What is the typical Buddhist view on homosexuality?

It depends on the sect of Buddhism.  Many would say to abstain from sex in general but I don't think homosexual sex is ever singled out as a particular issue of any sort-at least not that I have read. 

In many Buddhisms-one tries to overcome any and all desire, and any other types of attachments-including to one's own body.  They would say one is only finally released in death.

Personally I find that view erroneous.  In my sect of Buddhism, there are no rules at all-the idea being that the pure philosophy would give rise to wisdom to allow one to act correctly, but from the heart in a true fashion as any behavior based on will power is insincere and false.

There are many gays and lesbians in my sect.  I cannot think of when I've heard of sexuality being mentioned at all, much less targeting something at a particular kind of sexuality or preference.  You are born alone and you die alone, so you are only accountable to yourself in Buddhism. 

Now to get perhaps closer to the heart of the matter:  There are no bad acts in Buddhism.  An act has no merit by its own accord.  What matters according to Buddhism is the NATURE of an act.  This means that homosexual sex vs. hetero would have no difference by the accord of the relative acts involved there.  What matters in Buddhism is cause and effect and a cause is determined by the nature of the cause-WHY did you do something?  That is the issue.  So like with any sex-the nature of  it would matter, not the act itself.  The nature is determined by what motivated you to do it.  Selfishness?  Love?  you get the idea.