Using the Word “Gay” in Xbox Live Gamertags

Posted date: May 23, 2008 In: Misc | comment : 6

This isn’t related to Call of Duty 4 Strategy in any way, but it’s still important. Recently there was quite a bit of internet buzz regarding Microsoft’s decision to force two users with the word gay in their name to change their Xbox Live Gamertags. The two names in question were “thegayergamer” and “Gaywood” (The players legal surname), more specific details here and here. Neither of these names were derogatory or offensive or uses with any malicious intent, just containing the word gay raised red flags.

This does place Microsoft in a difficult position. In many social circles, including the gaming community, people use the word gay not to mean happy or homosexual, but to mean bad or unfair. The use of the word like that should obviously be prohibited from Xbox Live Gamertags; and gamers in general should not stand for people using derogatory language and racial slurs in any way. It gives us a bad name in outside of the gaming community and is just not the way a person should carry themselves. Microsoft should follow the same values and not discriminate against people using the word “gay” legitimately in their gamertag.

In the end the responsibility lies not with Microsoft, but the people that actually play the game. We are the ones that determine whether or not racism, sexism, homophobia or any other form of discrimination is acceptable. The majority of gamers do not support these kinds of actions, but they also don’t necessarily stand up against them. So please take action against discrimination, whether it is standing up an offensive bully while playing online, or contacting Microsoft and letting them know how you feel about the situation

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ben c

i think there should be moderators who will ban you if you call people gay or use the n word. I’d say in one in 3 games someone says the n word and in almost every game people say “your gay” or “stop being a fag”. people need to learn that it’s not ok to use those words in a derogatory way.
iKe444

….. a faggot is a bundle of sticks….
iKe444

i think…..
Anonymous

fag
thesink

it should depend on context
http://www.lustyones.com Deidra @ Lusty

It’s difficult to keep people’s behavior under control in a virtual environment as the cowards that typically act out generaly only do so because there would be no more severity to the interaction than getting a rise out of the other person and the exchange of a few nasty words, which is exactly what they’re hoping to accomplish. And though their account may be locked or banned, they can always create a new one and continue with their offensive behavior. Reporting is well and good, but unfortunately, it changes nothing, aside from their gamertag.