A BIIIIIIIIG Breakthrough

[Sargatanas]

From Gamepolitics:

Microsoft has updated its Xbox Live Code of Conduct with terminology that now allows gamers to include their sexual orientation in their Gamertag.

Gamers are now free to label themselves as Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Transgender or Straight, in a move GayGamer called “fantastic.”

In a letter announcing the change, Microsoft’s Mark Whitten wrote:

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.
More from GayGamer on the change:

This is something we have been fighting for here on GayGamer for a long time and it's gives us a wonderful feeling to finally see it come to fruition.

Congratulations to Microsoft and Xbox Live for stepping up to the plate and listening to the concerns of an important and oft overlooked section of the gaming community. Bravo!

All I can say is: About fucking time!

EQUALITY FOR ALL

[Smith]

I don't see this as a move towards equality. I see it as useless labeling. What the hell does it matter what sexual orientation someone has, ESPECIALLY on Xbox Live? Whether or not somebody is gay does not matter, or at least it shouldn't.
 I just feel something like this shouldn't be paraded publically. Sexuality is too personal a matter, or at least that is how I see it

[Sargatanas]

While I wouldn't parade my sexuality publically either, it's not about what they should do.  It's about what they can do.  Now they have their freedom of choice back. I support that.

Besides, it also means that this guy can use his real name as a gamertag if he wants to now: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuZeU-SjgJQ&feature=player_embedded

[Gears]

I agree with Smith

[SomeOddGuy]

Regardless that such a feature is really not the best of ideas, I do agree with Sarge that such addition do offer the non-heteros a little more freedom to express themselves.  Certainly not everyone will use this since there are plenty of closet cases out there or just don't feel like disclosing their sexuality publicly, though with a useless feature to many is a minor granting feature to all that wish to use it.  I'm not entirely for it since it is still an unusual concept at the moment, but I am in no way against it.

HOWEVER, if the labeling system is mandatory to partake in, them I am a bit against it.

[Sargatanas]

Having read a bunch of articles about this in the past I think I can provied some context/clarification.  It's not a "feature" like a motto or bio that would have to be filled in.  They're just talking about letting people be more free with their gamertags.  And it's not just for the gay community.  In the past a dude was banned from putting his REAL last name in his gamertag: Gaylord

[pikmin08]

Noing people on Live if you put anything different you'll get made fun of.
It's terrible, but probally true.

[SomeOddGuy]

Having read a bunch of articles about this in the past I think I can provied some context/clarification.  It's not a "feature" like a motto or bio that would have to be filled in.  They're just talking about letting people be more free with their gamertags.  And it's not just for the gay community.  In the past a dude was banned from putting his REAL last name in his gamertag: Gaylord

I've known a few others too through community boards that have been chastised because of their last names in their username, though at least those people weren't banned for such silly reasons...  If that's all it is, then I'm not very concerned.  It's not like we're going to have half the community rebelling against the decision.

[Sargatanas]

Yeah, I totally agree that putting a target on your chest is a bad idea.  Especially on XBL.

[Smith]

Well at least it's good to know somebody can finally claim the gamertag "Gaylord Focker" =P

[Gears]

lol

[Wegank]

I personally don't think this is relevant to LIVE's purpose and see nothing but potential problems. Obviously the whole Gaylord thing was stupid but MS is only asking for problems. LIVE is a private club that you choose to join and by doing so CHOOSE to adhere to their rules & guidlines

If I'm whatever and have an issue in not being able to express it, then I don't need to bring it up on LIVE. How is this relevant to gaming? Are they beta testing for a dating service? What's next religion and blood type?

[Smith]

Pastafarian, F

[Gears]

yeah, I agree and lmao smith

[SomeOddGuy]

I personally don't think this is relevant to LIVE's purpose and see nothing but potential problems. Obviously the whole Gaylord thing was stupid but MS is only asking for problems. LIVE is a private club that you choose to join and by doing so CHOOSE to adhere to their rules & guidlines

If I'm whatever and have an issue in not being able to express it, then I don't need to bring it up on LIVE. How is this relevant to gaming? Are they beta testing for a dating service? What's next religion and blood type?

It's really simple actually.  The 'non-mandatory' ability to be able to express your sexuality over XBox Live is really no different than a comparison to real life.  The ones that wish to express themselves fully consent to having their gamertag as stated and the ones that wish to keep it private will keep it to themselves.  I'm certain that its a little difficult to not stare at the name when its glaring over their heads in any typical FPS you play on the system, but it's just giving them freedom of expression to state their orientation is all.  Just like in real life, there are always the intolerant that will insult and complain about them, which tends to make up a fairly big majority, though thankfully times are better than they used to be.(even if there are still some extremists)

As I'll say once more, the labeling system is nothing more than choice of expression.  It's not like every gay/lesbian/bisexual/transsexual is going to suddenly label themselves.  Only the intolerant find themselves at a disposition to worry, though I'm not saying anybody here is truly intolerant.  Just worrisome of the fact there are intolerant people on Live.(which is why there's a report button if harassment goes on)