Microsoft supporting LGBT gaming convention

[Foxrac]

Next summer's LGBT gaming and geek lifestyle convention Gaymercon has drawn the support of one of the largest players in the industry: Microsoft. Xbox Live developers have launched a video (embedded below), showing why its employees are looking forward to the convention.

Gaymercon is the result of a successful Kickstarter campaign. With just over a day to go, the fund has rocketed past its $25,000 original target, amassing over $76,000 from more than 1,300 backers. The convention will take place August 3-4, 2013 in San Francisco, California and is open to the public.

According to its Kickstarter page description, Gaymercon aims to dispel stereotypes and provide a safe place for gamers of all sizes, genders, races, and sexual identities.

“At Microsoft we value the ideas and leadership of all of our employees and believe an inclusive and diverse community is important to a thriving Xbox Live," a Microsoft spokesperson told GameSpot. "This video was an employee-driven effort to show support of GaymerCon’s Kickstarter campaign and had the full support of Xbox Live leadership.”

Microsoft has previously handled LGBT members of its online communities with some controversy. In 2009, Microsoft banned a gamer for self-identifying as a lesbian on Xbox Live. Microsoft later apologized, characterizing its own policies as "inelegant."

Microsoft supporting LGBT gaming convention - GameSpot.com

Note: Homophobia and anti-gay comments are not welcomed.

 

[soutthpaw]

Why do we even need to separate gamers by their sexual orientation.. just seems a bit over the top. for me I cannot see any correlation between ones sexual orientation and playing video games that would require a convention for it

 

[Foxrac]

Why do we even need to separate gamers by their sexual orientation.. just seems a bit over the top. for me I cannot see any correlation between ones sexual orientation and playing video games that would require a convention for it

Having a separated convention helps GLBT people to share similar interest in one large group, just like GLBT event at Disneyland or Disney World. Straight people who support GLBT rights are welcomed.

 

[TXgolfer]

Why do we even need to separate gamers by their sexual orientation.. just seems a bit over the top. for me I cannot see any correlation between ones sexual orientation and playing video games that would require a convention for it

Seems silly to me as well. All of these small groups isolating themselves.

 

[Foxrac]

Seems silly to me as well. All of these small groups isolating themselves.

By your logic, it means DeafNation Expo is silly to you too.

It is all about share similar interest and culture to have a convention for GLBT people, that's not silly at all and you will never going understand because you aren't homosexual or bisexual.