Online users of Microsoft's gaming console Xbox 360 can now use the words 'gay' and 'transgender' in their profiles, following a policy change.
"I'd like to announce an update to the Xbox LIVE Terms of Use and Code of Conduct which will allow our members to more freely express their race, nationality, religion and sexual orientation in Gamertags and profiles," says Xbox's Marc Whitten in a letter to gaming fans.
"Under our previous policy, some of these expressions of self-identification were not allowed in Gamertags or profiles to prevent the use of these terms as insults or slurs. However we have since heard feedback from our customers that while the spirit of this approach was genuine, it inadvertently excluded a part of our Xbox LIVE community.
"I truly believe that our diversity is what makes us strong," he adds. "Diversity in gaming and entertainment options, and diversity in the people that make up this amazing community. I look forward to seeing you on LIVE soon."
Cyberbullying fears
Xbox's rethink comes as new research from Iowa State University suggests that one out of every two LGBT youths have been 'cyberbullied' in the last month.
In a study of 444 teenagers, 54% had been targeted with hate speech or misuse of their social networked photos and information, leading to anxiety and depression in over a quarter of those surveyed.
Other recent US studies have highlighted an anti-gay culture in the online gaming community - over 80% of gay gamers had heard the phrase "that's so gay" and had seen the word 'gay' used in a derogatory way, pointed out a study by the University of Illinois.
