Recently there was a story of a XBL user being suspended for placing her sexual preference in her XBL profile. She stated that she was a lesbian which was currently against Microsoft’s Terms of Service. I am not sure the amount of people who were offended by Microsoft’s actions, but it appears the GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) has started conversations with Microsoft regarding many of it’s policies. They summerize their feelings by stating:

“We’re truly in a new era. And with new technologies, come new challenges. LGBT people have fought hard for years to come out of real-world closets - we’re not willing to accept virtual ones.”

Read the full blog entries below:
http://www.stepto.com/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?List=47972f52-f025-4805-bea4-f515e4269a3a&ID=530
http://glaadblog.org/2009/02/26/xbox-live-homophobia-and-online-gaming-policy/

In reply to the discussion of sexual preference in XBL, I wrote Mr. Toulouse the following email:

Mr. Toulouse,

Thank you for your post on the issue of sexuality on XBL. It is good to see that Microsoft is looking into the policy.

That being said, I sincerely hope that the current policy isn’t changed due to any pressure or bullying on either side of the “debate”. I completely understand that companies are created to provide a service and make a profit. Often it is easy to have a knee jerk reaction to a problem than to look at the lasting effect of a policy change.

It is my personal opinion is that XBL should not be used for making personal or political stands or statements. I do not see how anyone’s sexual, religious or racial views have anything to do with gaming or showing off your leet skillz in Halo 3. I’d prefer that the policy remain the same or if changed, carry over the same spirit of the one currently in place.

There are thousands of places where one’s sexual preference is able to be voiced, expressed and viewed. I do not believe XBL is one of those places where it is appropriate.

Thank you for your time and hard work making XBL a great place,

Travis Clay

I am sure there are those that will disagree with my point of view, but I felt I have the right to voice my opinion on a service that I currently use. Will I stop using XBL if they change their policy? Nope. Should a GLAAD member or supporter stop using XBL if they don’t change their policy? It is of course their decision, but I would hope not.

Am I wrong?

KK