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Microsoft Explains 'Gaywood' Ban

by Evan Shamoon on May 27, 2008 at 01:16 PM



Those paying close attention to Xbox Live and its various run-ins with homophobia will remember the recent case of Richard Gaywood, the Live user whose gamertag was banned because his name was ... Richard Gaywood. To follow up on the drama, Kotaku contacted the folks at Xbox Live to learn the reason behind the ban.

"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," said Microsoft's Stephen Toulouse. "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."

He also confirmed to us that Mr. Gaywood's gamertag will not be reinstated, but that it will, thankfully, be made into a dramatic television series for HBO.

Just kidding about that last part, but we kind of wish we weren't. Last time we checked in the dictionary, gay meant "happy," not "I'm a pederast coming after the 'tweens." Shame on you, Microsoft. Come to think of it, the "x" in xBox sounds like a certain natural act between two consenting adults. Maybe Microsoft should change the name of its gaming console to something less suggestive...right, Richard? [Via GayGamer]

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