Microsoft’s Coming Out Party

There’s a big hubub today about Microsoft opening up to allowing sexual orientation info in profiles and Gamertags. Checking out the new Code of Conduct, there isn’t much for anyone affected to get excited about. The terms that may be used are severely limited (you won’t be noob-tubing “Lesbot69″ or “Trannyman187″ in Call of Duty anytime soon).

What you can do:

* You may use the following terms to express your relationship orientation in your profile or Gamertag:
o Lesbian
o Gay
o Bi
o Transgender
o Straight
Other terms regarding relationship orientation are not allowed. In addition you may not use these terms or any other terms regarding relationship orientation to insult, harass, or any other pejorative use against other users.

See the full Xbox LIVE Code of Conduct here

I wouldn’t be surprised if this was a calculated move by Microsoft, designed to generate a nice revenue boost before the end of Q1. Up till now, MS has suspended accounts and forced people to change their Gamertags and profile content if they contained any information relating to sexual orientation.

Is Microsoft temporarily waving the $10 fee to change your Gamertag? I’m betting not. Are they at least allowing people previously forced to change their GT to change back for free? Let us know about your experience in the comments!

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