Gay gamers are telling Microsoft that their online gaming community for the Xbox console is riddled with homophobia. "I was harassed by several players, 'chased' to different maps/games to get away from their harassment," said one openly lesbian player, who was banned from playing because she "offended" other players, reports PinkNews.co.uk. X Box Live moderating chief Stephen Toulouse says expressions of any sexual orientation (straight or gay or otherwise) is not allowed in gamertags. "However we've heard from the user-base they want that capability, so I am examining how we can provide it in a way that won't get misused." The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation said there was "rampant homophobia in the online gaming community." Recent US studies have highlighted an anti-gay culture in the online gaming community. Over 80% of gay gamers surveyed had heard the phrase "that's so gay" and had seen the word 'gay' used in a derogatory way.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News Staff
First published: Saturday, 28th February 2009 - 7:23pm