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Microsoft to WV town: the word ‘gay’ is inappropriate ‘in any context’

Microsoft to WV town: the word ‘gay’ is inappropriate ‘in any context’

Microsoft Corp. and the chief rules enforcer for Xbox Live apologized to a small West Virginia town and a 26-year-old gamer accused of violating the online gaming service’s code of conduct by publicly declaring he’s from Fort Gay — a name the company considered offensive. [AP]

The gamer, Josh Moore from Fort Gay, WV, found his account suspended and then received a threat of cancellation without refund after entering Fort Gay in his profile.

Apparently ‘Gay’ is a bad word, and Microsoft determined Moore was in breach of Xbox Live’s rules.

Moore called Microsoft and told them to check ZIP code 25514 to verify that Fort Gay was a real town, but Microsoft said “no.”

Even the mayor of Fort Gay, David Thompson, attempted to get involved but was told that the word ‘gay’ was inappropriate in any context.

“It was so inappropriate for them, they wouldn’t even say the word,” Thompson told the Associated Press. “They said, ‘that word.’ It’s beyond me. That’s the name of our town! It’s appalling. It’s a slap in our face.”

Stephen Toulouse, director of policy and enforcement for Xbox Live blamed miscommunication, and said he would contact Moore and apologize.

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