Another Xbox ‘gay’ name controversy for Richard Gaywood
”In accordance with Xbox LIVE policy, the gamertag RichardGaywood is no longer allowed. Please change your gamertag before playing Xbox LIVE.”
A message that was sent to Xbox 360 owner Richard Gaywood — his verified, legal name — to establish his gamertag, a network identifier used for logging on to interactive, multi-player video games. (Kotaku)
“We want the Xbox LIVE community to have the freedom to express themselves, but we also have a responsibility to create an inclusive, safe environment…. While it may be clear to some that Gaywood is a legitimate surname, it may not be obvious to other Xbox LIVE members. In this case, a complaint was filed by a member of the community, requiring the Xbox LIVE team to examine the gamertag within the context of the Xbox LIVE Terms of Use. Based on the these guidelines, it was necessary for the gamertag to change.”
A response attributed to Microsoft Xbox team member Stephen Toulouse in regards to the ban of the gamertag, ”RichardGaywood.” Recenlty, there was another controversy over another gamertage, ”TheGAYERGamer,” after it was banned for the possibility that it could be in some way offensive to parents of children due to sexual connotations. (Kotaku)
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