What is a stereotype? A stereotype is an idea or image of a particular person or group of people that is not entirely true. Stereotypes tend to be widely held by lots of people, making it so that when they meet someone from that stereotyped group, they automatically assume that their inaccurate idea or image is in fact true. It is important that we are able to separate what is a stereotype and what is truth.
Here is an example of a stereotype:
>I saw some sheep at the zoo and they had white wool. I also read a book about farm animals and the sheep in the pictures had white wool, too. Therefore, all sheep have white wool.
This is a stereotype because it is not true for every single sheep. While it is very true that many sheep have white wool, there are many sheep with black wool. Some have gray wool. Others have brown wool. Some sheep have a mixture of multiple colors or spots! Some sheep don’t even have wool, they just have hair.
There are many harmful stereotypes surrounding the LGBTQ+ community. To be an ally and help create environments for more diversity and inclusion, we can play our part by putting an end to harmful stereotypes. Sometimes, people may say a stereotype and might not know that it could hurt someone’s feelings. They may even believe it to be true themselves. Being kind and having the patience to help someone see how what they’re saying is 1) not accurate and 2) harmful to others’ feelings is the best route to go. Getting mad and saying something mean will only lead to confusion, not learning. So, even when it’s hard, remember to take the higher road and have patience and kindness as we all work together to put a stop to harmful stereotypes!
LGBTQ+ Scenario #4
With a partner or in a small group, read the following stereotypes. Then, discuss with your partner or group why the statement would be considered a stereotype. Discuss why it might be harmful to say something like that. Finally and most importantly, discuss how you would go about patiently and kindly helping someone see that what they’re saying is actually a harmful stereotype. Practice with your partner or groups what you would say!
Stereotypes:
-I’m a boy. My friend told me that he is gay. Now I can’t be friends with him because being gay means he has crushes on all other guys, including me.
-Lilly is gay. Girls like the color pink and boys like the color blue. But since Lilly is gay she probably likes the color blue.
-The boy who sits next to me in math class is gay. He hasn’t come out to anyone or shared with anyone that he’s gay, but I think he is because he’s really into fashion and likes to dance.
-My cousin is lesbian. She cut her hair short and likes to wear basketball shorts and t-shirts. So I guess all other lesbians like to cut their hair short and wear sporty clothes.
Download Learn More About: LGBTQ+ Stereotypes (English) here.