It's definitely an iffy subject for a lot of different groups and some people in general, and in their narrow-minded ways it's understandable that they'd lash out about it. At some point or another though they'll need to come to terms with it. They don't have to like it, or agree with it, but should at least respect it. Although it's probably safe to say that isn't going to happen any time soon.

My suggestion is just to forget hiding it away and bring it straight out into the light. If people have a problem with it, then don't play the game. If they become abusive online, ban the buggers. There's no reason why everyone can't just get along, don't care about sexual preferences, and just play the game for FUN.

Hm, when people bring up homosexuality in video games, I think of Jade Empire. You could be gay or lesbian in there. Unfortunately, it wasn't mentioned in the article.

carouselambra, I agree with you.

I don't like that lifestyles or practices that make some people uncomfortable has to be coerced into every aspect of our cultural society.

It's not a matter of tolerance but acceptance. If some gamers want to play a game with cool features but don't want to play a homosexual character because it makes them uncomfortable who is anyone to say that they should be tolerant of it?

That's where the disagreements come from...people, as carouselambra pointed out, being passively aggressive in forcing these issues on others as if it's something everyone should be okay with.

The fact that this maintains to be a global issue should be apparent enough that this is not "a okay" with everyone. And I agree that some issues -- unless the game is specifically dealing with that issue -- should be left out of the general gaming arena.

Keep it general and keep it fun.

Yeh I see what you're saying, Play ISDF. I still think games are games, though, and some of it is unneccessary politics. There's no place for it. For example, I'll give you a line of reasoning, which is how I try and understand it. Like you said, you're Aussie, and proud, good on ya. On the same thread, I'm from Turkey, and I'm proud of my origins, and my religion. But I know, that if I force that anywhere; if I get a bit too nationalistic, I know there'll be (or I should expect there to be, at least) opposition. because it's something important to me; if it's not, I wouldnt feel any need to share it, or air it. So I must aknowledge the fact, that people may be uncomfortable, or have some sort of opposing feeling of equal strength. And then decide what to do from there. Therefore, if I'm playing a game, (for example playing halo on x-box live or something), I'm not gonna create an issue, by arguing over politics, or religion, or national pride. I wont start it, because the game is for playing, I'm on there to play the game, thats it. If I do, I would expect at the end, to get banned. From the other angle, if someone was insulting me, or my beliefs, or my self, personally, I WOULD defend myself. But I would expect to be banned; again, and I would expect them to be banned also. Because it's stopped being about the game, and it's started being something personal - but the game, is not personal. The game is for everyone. And if you take the bait, you're as much in the fault as the person instigating it.


There's a difference between, sharing the things that make you who you are, and on the other hand creating an issue; or a scene. If you share that information; EXPECT opposition. Dont expect everyone to accept or even aknowledge it. If an issue arises, you can ignore it. Or you can defend it. But if you do, expect a ban. Why? because if that information is not more important to you than playing the game, then dont share it. If it IS more important to you, then you have to respect, that once you start using the game as a means to attack, or pre-emptively defend who you are or what you are or what you do, then you no longer have a right to play this game. Because it's not your game. And if you keep doing it, you'll destroy what the game is, you'll ruin everyone's enjoyment. I'm all for unity and understanding; but that doesnt mean everyone will agree, all the time. And they shouldnt. Tolerate is fair enough, I can agree with that. But that works both ways - you can only tolerate, so long as they're not looking for trouble.

Yeh man vortis, there's a thin line between who's in the right and who's in the wrong. If you know something is gonna make someone uncomfortable, you've gotta ask - is it really THAT important that you share it? And that links in to what I said about looking for trouble. Some people do it just for a shock reaction, which is as bad, or worse even, as the people who HAVE an aggressive shock reaction. It's about responsibility. The fact is, as soon as you put any bit of information about yourself out there, you have a duty to defend it. If you dont want to, dont share it. If you know it's gonna get attacked, and you're not prepared to deal with that, then dont share it. Because, where do you draw the line? If people start sharing very disturbing explicit things, or very racist views, or something illegal even; can you still say, they have a right to share that? How many people does it have to offend before it's deemed "offensive"? I think, anything put there with the express intent of offending anyone, is what you can say is offensive. That goes for, the people that outright insult, and the people that do it the passive way, by looking to attract insult. Everyone else, just do what you do, be happy. If you're happy with what you do, who you are, (this goes for anything not just sexuality), then it doesnt matter what they say or think. I dont like it, I'll be honest, I don't agree with it as a life choice. And I understand why some of the younger crowd, perhaps, say the things they do. But that doesnt matter. That's my opinion. That's their opinion. what's YOUR opinion? They dont live for you, you do. Do what you want, no-one really cares so long as it's not in front of them. So as long as people keep to themselves, things will keep working. You dont need people's aknowledgment, respect the lines, and everyone else will. Or should, anyway. And if they dont, then fair enough, they'll be banned. Because otherwise, the game as a whole stops functioning, and stops being enjoyable. This isnt face-to-face contact or conflict or social meets - this is recreation, hobby - GAME. If you go to a snooker hall and start creating an issue, you'll get chucked out. If you go to a swimming pool, and do anything other than swim, you're liable to be chucked out. If you start arguing about sexuality in a football match, you'll be sent off. Because that's not what it's there for. That's not what YOU'RE there for. It's not matching up, I'm afraid. And it's not matching up, in these games. If they're that angry go on a march or something man. then come back and play the game. As a game.

By the way, so there's no misunderstanding, when I say "YOU", no-one has to worry I'm not directing that to anyone in particular I mean generally speaking, anyone who goes on a game, or goes anywhere even, looking to create issues. And then not taking responsibility when it's been resolved. If you wanna say something, say it, no-one can stop you. But you have to deal with what happens as a result of it. And understand the meaning of what you say. Otherwise, it's simply irresponsible to speak.