After much scrutiny and debate, Microsoft has finally conceded, and effective immediately, they have updated the network’s code of conduct to acknowledge gays and lesbians. Before the change, users were banned from displaying their sexual orientation in their profiles and gamer tags.

Because of the adolescent behavior displayed in games, I don’t blame Microsoft for ever banning sexual identity in the first place.

But to those who take a mature stance and proudly embrace their sexual orientation, this is a huge step in a progressive movement.

Taken directly from the code of conduct, the new policy states:

“You may use the following terms to express your relationship orientation in your profile or Gamertag:

• Lesbian
• Gay
• Bi
• Transgender
• 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.”

In a letter to the public from general manager Mark Whitten, the new code of conduct “will allow our members to more freely express their race, nationality, religion and sexual orientation in Gamertags and profiles.”

He also acknowledges that “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.” The previous policy “excluded a part of our Xbox LIVE community.”

Similarly, just because Microsoft has updated their policies, it doesn’t mean that they won’t go to great lengths to cancel subscriptions of any individual who violates the new or old terms.

Source: Xbox Live Code of Conduct, Mark Whitten Letter