11/26/2007
Gay "Halo 3" Player Reveals Results of "Coming Out" to Peers
A gay gamer wrote in and tipped us off to what happened when he decided to come out to his fellow online players during a recent game of Halo 3 by using the gamertag "xxxGayBoyxxx". He recorded the video (audio NSFW).
xxxGayBoyxxx writes, on his YouTube page: "Other than maybe a quick 'hello' to the chat room or a request to 'veto', I didn't ever say anything first or taunt anyone. What was said by these players was initiated by them with no provocation on my part. The vast majority of the times I wouldn't even respond back so the audio would be clear."
Of course, although the reactions are certainly disturbing (and not altogether surprising), you know what they say about homophobic bullies.
Released in late September, Halo 3 rang up an astonishing $170 million in its first 24 hours on sale and $300 million worldwide in its first week of release.
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Posted 4:19 PM EST by Andy in Gay Slurs, News, Video Games | Permalink
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That was disturbing, but not surprising coming from obese straight virgins.
Posted by: Tintin Malfoy | Nov 26, 2007 4:31:31 PM
I play Halo, I wonder what Microsoft would say in response to these videos. It's definitely a prevalent attitude on XBoxLive.
Posted by: Jon | Nov 26, 2007 4:41:51 PM
It's been my experience that most people don't mind if you are gay in Halo 3. I mean, my gamer tag, usrfrndly, is pretty much sexually neutral. However, my logo is colored purple, pink, and white and people usually assume I'm gay when they find out that I'm not a female player. I've had some people say some horrible stuff but I'm sure it was just to be humorous. To be honest, my straight friends and I make similar jokes. I stuns me how unimaginative people are sometimes. Calling a gay person "gay" is just about the epitome of dumbness.
Posted by: Johnathan | Nov 26, 2007 4:42:08 PM
It is not impossible that some of the more insulting comments were made by closeted gays. I doubt you were the only gay on line at that time.
Posted by: Butch | Nov 26, 2007 4:44:12 PM
It is not impossible that some of the more insulting comments were made by closeted gays. I doubt you were the only gay on line at that time.
Posted by: Butch | Nov 26, 2007 4:46:46 PM
you bunch of GAYS! all of you guys like to have sex with GUYS! that's like SOOO GAY!!! you gay's you!!!!
Posted by: rich | Nov 26, 2007 4:51:53 PM
Boy, those straight boys are all really tough hiding behind their screen names and net anonymity.
Posted by: Marco | Nov 26, 2007 4:54:15 PM
I think there is a generally level of homophobia and definitely racism on Halo 3 and XBox Live in general. Maybe it appears that way because the most cruel people are the most vocal; but isn't that true in all of life? The people you least want to hear from are the ones you hear from the most and whose voices are permeating households. I think Microsoft should release a PSA of sorts, or message to users on XBL and let them know they're aware of what's going on and they don't approve of it at all.
Posted by: Jon | Nov 26, 2007 4:55:11 PM
Perhaps they were reacting to that ridiculous screen name, he obviously chose it to get a reaction from people, i think it would be much different if he casually mentioned a boyfriend or something.
I mean, xxx (porn connotation) gayboy? Isn't that pretty much the online "look at me" equivalent of dancing into rooms full of strangers with a boombox blaring "It's Raining Men", I would expect people to act negatively to that as well, even if they don't have a problem with me walking in with a boyfriend and casually introducing him as such.
Posted by: John M | Nov 26, 2007 4:55:44 PM
The insults are as pointed out retarded, but they're still intended as insults. There are a million possible excuses but it's still wrong, especially on what I thought was a public forum (I may be wrong). Big difference between that and making dumb jokes with friends.
Posted by: David | Nov 26, 2007 4:58:01 PM
Homophobic video gamers? Who would have thought?
Posted by: KJ | Nov 26, 2007 5:04:17 PM
i was going to make a comment like "well perhaps if he was a better player" or something 'smart ass'...
but the fact is that (1) he has a name that incites such comments and (2) he's dealing with genre of entertainment that thrives on "trash talk".
that being said, it's a shame that so many guys fall for it and instantly go straight for the gay jugular. it was kind of hard (for me) to listen to... but i have to wonder if these were the kinds of reactions that someone posting a name like "xxxGayBoyxxx" was really wanted in the first place.
Posted by: James P. | Nov 26, 2007 5:04:47 PM
John M., my sentiments exactly!
Posted by: the other jeff | Nov 26, 2007 5:05:29 PM
"Isn't that pretty much the online "look at me" equivalent of dancing into rooms full of strangers with a boombox blaring "It's Raining Men", I would expect people to act negatively to that as well..."
Careful dear, your internalized homophobia is showing.
Posted by: JOHN IN MANHATTAN | Nov 26, 2007 5:17:21 PM
Yes...it's HIS fault for using a name with no ambiguity. Just like it's the fault of any gay guy who gets bashed because he dared to not hide his sexuality. You guys are pathetic. xxxGayBoyxxx mixed amongst xxxHoSlayer, xxxPimpMachine, xTiTeeLiquHerx is nothing unusual other than he is obviously gay.
By all means...blame him.
Posted by: Mike | Nov 26, 2007 5:23:19 PM
Rich
LOL
Posted by: jimmyboyo | Nov 26, 2007 5:37:55 PM
Agree w/ Mike 100%
Posted by: gabriel | Nov 26, 2007 6:11:37 PM
Um, I don't get it.
He chose the name Gay Boy. a LOT of the the audio was simply other players saying his name. Yeah, some went beyond and really insulted him (and I think they're shits), but the ones who were just saying "Gay Boy" were just saying his name. How's that homophobic?
If he didn't want to be called "Gay Boy", he shouldnt' have named himself "Gay Boy."
I must be missing something here.
Posted by: DARB | Nov 26, 2007 6:13:40 PM
Word, Mike. God forbid he used such a hate magnet for a screen name. How dare he?
Maybe I should start wearing a mask or a paper bag over my face in public. I wouldn't want anyone to think I look gay.
Posted by: Marco | Nov 26, 2007 6:16:53 PM
Isn't this a scene taken from that "Idiocracy" movie? Or have we just arrived there already?
Mass culture wasn't supposed to go that moronic until 2020 at least, right?
PS: Does Halo 3 have electrolytes, too?
Posted by: Cristian | Nov 26, 2007 6:44:53 PM
"That was disturbing, but not surprising coming from obese straight virgins."
Exactly... though I wouldn't assume they're all straight.
Posted by: DCN | Nov 26, 2007 6:52:00 PM
Gayboy chose the wrong name for his audience. I'm not blaming him, but take into account the context---mainly adolescent, testosterone fueled video game addicts.
For perspective, what's the gayest screen name used on this site? Perhaps The Queen? Big deal. That's nothing like xxxGayBoyxxx, which sounds like a screen name for manhunt.com, not Halo.
Posted by: Paul | Nov 26, 2007 6:56:42 PM
MIKE is 100%. Even more disturbing than the video are the comments that suggest he deserved being threatened and degraded for simply identifying himself as a gay person. Pathetic. But then I also had to struggle to overcome the self hatred drummed into me as a kid, so I have hope. Bravo to Gayboy for his courage!
Posted by: Petey | Nov 26, 2007 7:00:52 PM
Right now, grant applications at major universities are being filled out in hopes of testing the homophobic reactions received by various "test" screen names. This important research will measure the level of acceptance of gays nationwide by sampling the reactions of online gamers. Test names to include "xQueeryx", "xPinkx", "xManLovex" and "xDateMe".
Posted by: anon (gmail.com) | Nov 26, 2007 7:03:31 PM
Please, this is so NOT disturbing, it's not even funny. Online games are full of trash talk. Plus, most of these people sound like teenagers, so they aren't even mature adults yet -- sexuality is scary and attacking gays is a way of feeling empowered about one's own sense of sexual prowess.
The big picture is far rosier. Young adults are much more accepting of homosexuality and equal rights for gays than their parents or grandparents.
I have a bigger problem with legal discrimination in America's laws. That's got to be the focus, not a frickin' video game.
Posted by: Tim | Nov 26, 2007 7:06:06 PM
Yes, not everything in this video was said with hate. And I can take a joke, and I never took offense to what was said in it. My purpose for this video was only to raise awareness. So next time Str8s are interacting with a gay person, even an obvious one that has gay written all over him/her, that they be sensible. They're not asking for it, that's just who they are, and unlike me, they may in fact be hurt by the comments.
Posted by: xxxGayboyxxx | Nov 26, 2007 8:01:55 PM
Yes, not everything in this video was said with hate. And I can take a joke, and I never took offense to what was said in it. My purpose for this video was only to raise awareness. So next time Str8s are interacting with a gay person, even an obvious one that has gay written all over him/her, that they be sensible. They're not asking for it, that's just who they are, and unlike me, they may in fact be hurt by the comments.
Posted by: xxxGayBoyxxx | Nov 26, 2007 8:03:58 PM
Remember when we used to call you gayboy and you'd get all mad?
We'd call you gayboy. Remember? You'd be fine and then we'd call you gayboy and you'd just freak out!
We would call you gay; and you got so mad that you threw the hammer through the sliding glass door. You remember?
Posted by: jacknasty | Nov 26, 2007 9:17:46 PM
Let's take it to the experts; I think this is a discussion for those at www.gaygamer.net
Maybe even draw this article to the Editor: Fruit Brut at fruit_brute@gaygamer.net
Posted by: alanontowleroad | Nov 27, 2007 1:01:42 AM
I really didn't see much difference than if it would have been a female with a screen name of xxxHotGirlxxx. Think about it... Most of the things that were said to xxxGayBoyxxx would have been said to xxxHotGirlxxx with the exception that some probably would have tried to get her contact info, lol.
IMO this was just normal teenage male jabber. Except for the one guy who said he'd like to kill him but admitted he had gay friends. That dude sounds like he's got some serious issues he's repressing. I'm sure if he'd just give in he'd feel much better. Time to open that closet door ;)
Posted by: Lika Starr | Nov 27, 2007 1:36:09 AM
Just "normal teenage male jabber"? That is exactly the problem! It's considered normal and acceptable to make homophobic comments in some circles.
I don't really care what these kiddies and basement dwellers have to say specifically but these attitudes seem way too common.
Posted by: Michael | Nov 27, 2007 2:17:42 AM
i know so many guys that deny their own sexuality out of fear. it's wrong in so many ways.. especially when the same individuals not only deny who they really are, but lash out on others who have the strength to be open about their sexuality...
That's pretty much what got me through high school- knowing that behind every insult, hid that person's own insecurities and secrets...
damn assholes!!
Posted by: Jesse | Nov 27, 2007 2:47:08 AM
You can mute people in that game.
Just saying.
Posted by: RP | Nov 27, 2007 4:52:29 AM
come one, what did you expect? if you can't take the crossfire and don't want to fight back then you shouldn't be there.
Posted by: nil | Nov 27, 2007 10:21:11 PM
There is no excuse for hatred. Ever.
Posted by: Leducdor | Dec 2, 2007 6:24:14 AM