Xbox Live - "I'm no homophobe!"

[nCogNeato]

Quote: VG247

Stephen Toulouse, director of policy and enforcement for Xbox Live, has tweeted some good news this morning.
A change to the XBL code of conduct will now allow you to express your sexual orientation in profiles and Gamertags.

According to the new policy, you can start using the terms Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Transgender, and Straight in your Gamertags and profiles.  However, you still may not use these terms to insult, berate, harass or use them in a debasing manner.

Upon typing in the approved terms into your profile, you should find that they are not blocked. The updated code of conduct page can be found through here. Be aware though, that Microsoft is still "sweeping the system" for variations of the words – so it might be for a few days before all spellings, phrases, etc are acceptable within the service.  Toulouse says that if you have issues with getting the term to go through, contact support.

Marc Whitten, general manager of XBL has a letter on the official site, chatting about the changes, here is a snippet:

I'd like to announce an update to the Xbox LIVE Terms of Use and Code of Conduct which will allow our members to more freely express their race, nationality, religion and sexual orientation in Gamertags and profiles. Under our previous policy, some of these expressions of self-identification were not allowed in Gamertags or profiles to prevent the use of these terms as insults or slurs. However we have since heard feedback from our customers that while the spirit of this approach was genuine, it inadvertently excluded a part of our Xbox LIVE community. This update also comes hand-in-hand with increased stringency and enforcement to prevent the misuse of these terms.

I truly believe that our diversity is what makes us strong: diversity in gaming and entertainment options, and diversity in the people that make up this amazing community. I look forward to seeing you on LIVE soon.

In April of last year, Microsoft met with Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLADD) to discuss how the company could improve relations with the gay community, and allow members of XBL to show their sexual orientation within the service without becoming a banner for harassment.

Then, in July, EA hosted a panel on homophobia in videogame culture sponsored by GLAAD, and attendees included the Entertainment Software Association, GayGamer.net, Linden Labs, and Microsoft.

Bravo Microsoft. Bravo.

[CRracer_912]

LMAO!

I just wish they'd extend the use of them for insulting purposes too.

Not that I would ever insult someone.

[GamerMan316]

I'm not a homophobe either, i'm not afraid of my house!!!

[nCogNeato]

Not that I would ever insult someone.

Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight ...   



I (and others) do wonder what kind of backlash will result.  I had always thought restricting sexuality and religion from visible info was just as much to protect a "Protected Class" as it did descriminate.  I guess we'll see what happens.

Personally, I'm ecstatic that Microsoft of moving forward with this issue.  Much respect for that.  I would just hate to be part of the Enforcement Team knowing they're going to be getting a lot of messages like, "Why did you ban me for calling [?] a Muslim faggit?"   

[CRracer_912]

Well, in your scenario, it would be because it's spelled 'faggot' AFAIK.

I really don't care either way. Anyone can be however they want to be, so long as they don't try to change me from being the humble, moddest, intelligent, gentle, good looking guy that I truly am.

[nCogNeato]

... Anyone can be however they want to be, so long as they don't try to change me from being the humble, moddest, intelligent, gentle, good looking guy that I truly am.

Why would anyone want to change that about you?

Speaking of which ... I have lilac-scented candles and a bottle of Pinot Noir if you don't have any plans Saturday night.   

[CRracer_912]

I guess I shoulda mentioned that I'm allergic to Lilac of any kind....

but it IS tempting!

[TaraJayne]

I guess I shoulda mentioned that I'm allergic to Lilac of any kind....

but it IS tempting!

Nice try Racer boy but I am pretty sure he has other scents you might like Just give in it wont hurt that much

[CRracer_912]

I guess I shoulda mentioned that I'm allergic to Lilac of any kind....

but it IS tempting!

Nice try Racer boy but I am pretty sure he has other scents you might like Just give in it wont hurt that much

You really know this for a fact?

[DFUSIONITE]

I guess I shoulda mentioned that I'm allergic to Lilac of any kind....

but it IS tempting!

Nice try Racer boy but I am pretty sure he has other scents you might like Just give in it wont hurt that much

You really know this for a fact?

I do, he's tender. mmmmmmmm......

[CRracer_912]

TMI TMI TMI!!!!!

[TaraJayne]

I only know because Failed, DFUZZ, Kuddles and Sambo told me

[CRracer_912]

Mhmmm, sure.....

[nCogNeato]

... Just give in it wont hurt that much

READ:  "nCogNeato has a little d***."

[CRracer_912]

Well, why not change your handle to 'nCogNeatled***' then?