Consumerist: Self-identified lesbian banned from Xbox Live [update]
The Consumerist reports that an Xbox Live user identified only as "Teresa" was supposedly banned from Xbox Live for identifying herself as a lesbian. Teresa said that she identified her sexual orientation in her profile, which resulted in harassment from other players on Xbox Live. She stated that even after she left such Xbox Live sessions, users would follow her into other games and tell others to report her "because they didn't want to see that crap or their kids to see that crap."
Teresa says that her account was later suspended because other gamers found her profile "offensive." Microsoft has informed Joystiq that it hopes Teresa will come forward, so that the company can investigate the matter directly.
In a statement to Joystiq, Microsoft noted that users may not "create a gamertag or use text in other profile fields that include comments that look, sound like, stand for, hint at, abbreviate or insinuate content of a potentially sexual nature. Profiles that do are asked to change the language and suspended until changes are made." The company also stated that it does not allow Gamertags or profiles to identify any form of sexual orientation, though it is allowed in voice chat "where context is more easily explained to all players involved." Finally, Microsoft stated that harassment is "not condoned" and "taken very seriously."
Find the full statement after the break.
[Update: Microsoft's Stephen Toulouse -- an XBL team member -- has made a post on his personal blog regarding the situation and confirming that policy changes are being explored. The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) has also weighed in on the story, mentioning it is working with Toulouse with regards to Live -- and SCEA on its Home policies.]
Microsoft:
"As stated in the Xbox Live Terms of Use, a member may not create a gamertag or use text in other profile fields that include comments that look, sound like, stand for, hint at, abbreviate, or insinuate content of a potentially sexual nature. Profiles that do are asked to change the language and suspended until changes are made. In regards to sexual orientation, for gamertags or profiles we do not allow expression of any type of orientation, be that hetero or other. Players can, however, self identify in voice communication where context is more easily explained to all players involved.
"Harassment of any kind is not condoned and is taken very seriously; we strongly encourage Xbox Live members to immediately report inappropriate behavior through the compliant tools in the service so that it can be investigated and the appropriate action taken."
"The Xbox Live community grows daily, and we continue to explore methods and levels of enforcement to enhance the ways our members connect and have fun, while adhering to a code of conduct that encourages respect and keeps the service safe and fun for all our members."
