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This article contains weasel words: vague phrasing that often accompanies biased or unverifiable information. Such statements should be clarified or removed.

Stereotypes of homosexuals are misperceptions and generalizations about homosexuals. Stereotyping is often a result of homophobia, whereby any person possessing one of these traits is considered gay and is perceived to have all of these traits regardless of personality quirks and individual beliefs.

Homosexual men

Gay men are most often stereotyped as being effeminate, although this is not true because gender identity and sexual orientation are known to be distinct from each other. Theatre, specifically Broadway musicals, are a component to the stereotype. The stereotype is that all gay men listen to show tunes, techno/dance music, and are involved with the performing arts.

A stereotype about gay men's social networks is they are mainly composed of heterosexual women, lesbians, other gays, bisexuals, and transgendered people.

Appearance and mannerisms

Gay men are often stereotyped as being effeminate. A lisp and female-like tone are also identified with gay men. Brand names like Abercrombie & Fitch, Hollister, and American Eagle are connected to the fashion of the stereotype. The origin of the effeminate gay man's fashion comes from the stereotype that they enjoy the activity of shopping.

Sex and relationships

A prevalent stereotype about gay men's sexual relationships is that they are promiscuous and unsuccessful in developing enduring same-sex ties. However, several surveys of gay men in the United States have shown that between 40% and 60% are involved in a steady relationship. Research also suggests that a slightly higher proportion of lesbians than gay men may be in steady relationships.

Another stereotype, disputed by current psychiatry, about gay men is that they are more likely to commit child sexual abuse than the overall population.

Homosexual women

Lesbians may be stereotyped as either being butch or as being lipstick lesbians. Lesbians are seen as likely to be interested in occupations perceived as masculine: such as construction, the military, law enforcement, truck driving or the like. Feminists are often stereotyped as being lesbians due to their perceived misandry, and as a result lesbians are often stereotyped as "man-haters" or radical feminists.

Bisexual men & women

Bisexuals, both men and women, may be stereotyped as promiscuous and untrustworthy, or bisexuality may be seen as a temporary condition when under the influence of alcohol or other drugs . They may be seen as being homosexuals who are either in denial or lying about their sexual orientation . Conversely, there is a stereotype that "everyone is bisexual".

References

1. Jay, Karla (1979). The gay report: Lesbians and gay men speak out about sexual experiences and lifestyles. New York: Summit. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
2. SFGate on Mark Foley
3. BBC Guide
4. French Soiree on "party bisexuality"
5. GLAAD on NYT and Bisexual Stereotypes
6. Myths About Bisexuality (PDF pamphlet from Bisexual Resource Center)

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