i\'m really glad to have read this article...I have argued this time and time again at my own high school.  
I think the most damaging aspect of labels and stereotypes is that it can have a very serious and indeed dangerous impact on impressionable adolescents who are trying to identify with themselves. 
For example, suppose little Bobby wakes up one day and realises he likes the boys. However, he also likes auto mechanics, cares little about fashion and would rather play baseball than go to the mall. He looks to the gay community for support but sees that this community has for the most part adopted the stereotype of the world outside the gay community. The result may be deteriorated self-image and a loss of self-identify.

Registered