A stereotype is "a widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing." A sexual stereotype is a fixed and oversimplified image or idea that relates to human sexuality.
Our culture supports many sexual stereotypes on men, women, gays, lesbians, bisexuals, trans, asexual, agender, gender-fluid, and other people in sexual and relationship minorities.
Sexual stereotypes exist about every gender and orientation. "All lesbians are dykes." "All gays are pedophiles." "All men are cheaters." "Women don't really like sex." "Men only care about getting laid." Thousands of these stereotypes exist, no matter the group or subgroup you identify with. Obviously, these stereotypes are rarely true and always hurtful, because they pigeon hole a person to one characteristic.
Sexual stereotypes make forming genuine, lasting relationships based on open and honest communication difficult. If you already believe that your male partner will cheat, how can you ever trust him? If you think that all your female partner wants is your money, then why would you want to pursue a relationship with her? Making assumptions based on stereotypes promotes things like sexism, racism, classism, ableism, homophobia, and many others.
Fighting stereotypes of all kinds, not only the sexual ones, is a very important part of making this world a more accepting place.
