In 2005, two weeks earlier than the discharge of the Xbox 360, the places of work at Microsoft UK have been bustling with power for the brand new console launch, and it was my first day on the job. I used to be a Channel Marketing Manager, working to market the console, all the brand new video games and equipment to avid gamers throughout the UK. I used to be thrown into an thrilling whirlwind of a significant product launch with Xbox, which was a world away from my earlier job, and I knew this was a chance I couldn’t mess up, so I must rapidly discover my place one way or the other.
I used to be additionally the one homosexual man of Indian descent within the workplace. If there have been coworkers who have been additionally a part of the LGBTQIA+ group, it wasn’t mentioned overtly. I couldn’t have been alone, however like me, they in all probability had quite a lot of expertise protecting. I had been protecting for so long as I may bear in mind – in earlier jobs, in school, for what appeared like perpetually. Covering drains me of power I may have invested in having extra affect in my position. I had grow to be an knowledgeable at merely becoming in – by no means realizing the worth I’d deliver to my colleagues, my work and myself had I introduced my complete self.
I used to be doing effectively, and in time, naturally discovered the boldness I wanted to be myself at work. I by no means needed to have a “popping out” second at work, however I see now that it was solely after I stopped protecting and introduced my complete self to work did I actually start to thrive. The one place I didn’t should cowl was while getting misplaced within the wealthy, vibrant worlds video video games can create, the place I may throw myself into an unlimited array of characters, various worlds and video games. Gaming provided a spot to be free however it lacked illustration and visibility of queer narratives and characters, one thing that’s slowly showing.
Today, I function the Chief of Staff for Xbox Marketing, & Co-Lead for Team Xbox LGBTQIA+ driving the enterprise and tradition for a workforce of a whole bunch of individuals globally. Our workforce is crammed with individuals from completely different backgrounds and various, intersectional identities. I’m proud to be so seen to so many individuals and assist spark necessary conversations about illustration that may not in any other case have been raised.
What unifies our workforce at Xbox is the need to make gaming a spot the place everybody feels welcome to play. One of the methods we may also help members of LGBTQIA+ communities to really feel invited to play is thru elevated visibility & illustration in video video games. Representation is an unlimited and multifaceted matter: it will possibly imply extra LGBTQIA+ characters, extra story moments that includes LGBTQIA+ themes, and even creating worlds LGBTQIA+ gamers can really feel at house in. For us, it consists of empowering our LGBTQIA+ workforce members to create the sorts of change they’re hoping to see in our video games and within the business at massive. In that spirit, listed here are a couple of ways in which Team Xbox might be supporting LGBTQIA+ communities this 12 months, together with a partnership between Xbox Game Studios Publishing and GLAAD:
Xbox Game Studios Publishing Partnership with GLAAD Promises More LGBTQIA+ Storytelling and Representation on Xbox
Xbox Game Studios Publishing is saying a long-term partnership with GLAAD to help our LGBTQIA+ workforce members, our companion studios, and different recreation builders in our group in rising illustration in Xbox video games. Through this partnership, we hope to deliver extra LGBTQIA+ tales, characters and lived experiences to Xbox in methods that can resonate with avid gamers around the globe.
We acknowledge the necessity and demand for extra various tales, particularly as many locations grow to be extra hostile to transgender, non-binary and LGBTQIA+ communities.
According to current information from the Trevor Project, as much as 2 in 3 LGBTQ younger individuals reported this 12 months that escalating transphobic and homophobic rhetoric has had detrimental results on their psychological wellbeing. However, this identical cohort cited entry to affirming areas – together with on-line areas – as probably the greatest methods to supply help.
We imagine that as recreation makers, we have now a singular alternative to supply areas which can be affirming to youth, and to the broader LGBTQIA+ group – particularly as a result of in line with a examine from Dentsu, 65% of Gen Z avid gamers and 60% of millennial avid gamers really feel extra comfy expressing themselves in gaming than in the true world. Through video games, we not solely have the power to inform various and consultant tales, however to additionally present areas the place gamers can expertise and discover identities in an affirming and supportive setting.
With this in thoughts, our LGBTQIA+ workforce members and their allies in XGS Publishing have engaged GLAAD with the first objective of serving to our companion studios create video games that may provide much-needed visibility, understanding, and help for LGBTQIA+ individuals for years to return. We’ll be collaborating with GLAAD and amplifying present assets by way of workshops and consulting to deliver real, heartfelt, and aspirational LGBTQIA+ illustration to extra of our future video games.
XGS Publishing beforehand labored with GLAAD on Don’t Nod’s narrative journey Tell Me Why, which might be free for the complete month of June for the third 12 months in a row. GLAAD’s involvement on Tell Me Why helped to empower trans, non-binary and LGBTQIA+ creatives on the undertaking and be certain that co-protagonist Tyler Ronan, a younger trans man, was portrayed in a method that will resonate with as many trans avid gamers as attainable.
Gaming and Impact with Microsoft Rewards
Microsoft Rewards members within the United States can earn and donate factors to organizations supporting LGBTQIA+ communities with Xbox. The organizations beneath might be featured on console all through June:
- GLAAD: Founded in 1985, GLAAD – the world’s largest LGBTQ media advocacy group – works with tv, movie, video video games, Spanish-language media, journalists, and social media to inform tales and seek the advice of on LGBTQ media illustration. GLAAD tackles powerful points and provokes dialogue that results in cultural change by way of elevated media accountability, public campaigns, company engagement initiatives, and advocacy applications that assist to make sure 100% inclusion and acceptance of the LGBTQ group. (US)
- Outright International: Outright International is devoted to working with companions across the globe to strengthen the capability of the lesbian, homosexual, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer (LGBTIQ) human rights motion, doc and amplify human rights violations in opposition to LGBTIQ individuals, and advocate for inclusion and equality. (US)
- National Center for Transgender Equality – The National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) advocates to alter insurance policies and society to extend understanding and acceptance of transgender and non-binary individuals. In the nation’s capital and all through the nation, NCTE works to switch disrespect, discrimination, and violence with empathy, alternative, and justice. (US)
Xbox avid gamers can earn Microsoft Rewards factors in numerous methods, corresponding to taking part in or buying video games after downloading the Microsoft Rewards app on Xbox. Earn factors and redeem them for actual rewards. Join us as we speak and donate by way of Xbox.
Explore Games Curated by LGBTQIA+ Communities at Microsoft
Immersive recreation narratives present a singular lens into views outdoors of our personal lived experiences. By amplifying voices of LGBTQIA+ creators, offering the chance to play as LGBTQIA+ characters, and inspiring engagement with LGBTQIA+ narratives, Xbox invitations you to play with pleasure.
During June and past, we’re that includes a wide range of recreation collections that showcase LGBTQIA+ creators, lead characters, and video games with inclusive gender and relationship choices. Available on the Microsoft Stores on Xbox and Windows, try the transgender and non-binary group video games assortment and the LGBTQIA+ group video games assortment. These collections will exist year-round as a part of our ongoing work to create extra inclusive gaming ecosystems and elevate content material that resonates with communities.
Featured titles inside the collections accessible with Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass, and the Game Pass cell app embrace:
- Garden Story (Available with Xbox Game Pass on Console, PC, and Cloud) – From non-binary and Filipino American creator Picogram, Garden Story is a comfy recreation by which you play as Concord, a grape tasked with rebuilding their hometown in a world populated with fruit and veggies that completely use they/them pronouns. Thematically, the sport is all concerning the significance of group involvement and the way we’re stronger collectively, even when instances are powerful. The extra residents you befriend, the stronger you grow to be!
- Rainbow Billy: The Curse of the Leviathan (Available with Xbox Game Pass on Console, PC, and Cloud) – In this kid-friendly adventure-puzzle-platformer, the primary character, Billy, identifies as non-binary and the story explores the subject of id outdoors of the heteronormative binary constrictions that exist in a black-and-white world. While on a quest to revive shade to all of the realms, Billy befriends a number of characters that speak lovingly about their same-sex companions. The recreation teaches acceptance and kindness by way of an modern ‘fight’ system that focuses on empathetic communication.
- Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege (Available with Xbox Game Pass on Console, PC, and Cloud, Rated M) – There are a number of LGBTQIA+ playable operators to select from on this tactical, team-based shooter. The first homosexual operator within the collection was Flores, a grasp thief from Argentina devoted to calling his husband each evening. For the primary trans girl within the recreation, Ubisoft consulted with the trans group and solid a trans girl to be the voice of Operator Osa, a talented inventor and head of Nighthaven’s R&D. The most up-to-date LGBTQIA+ operator added to the roster is Sens, a non-binary fight engineer.
- The Big Con (Available with Xbox Game Pass on Console, PC, and Cloud) – Play as Ali on this coming-of-age journey that explores the morality of how far we’re prepared to go to save lots of our household. Voiced by Erika Ishii, who’s overtly pansexual and genderfluid, Ali is on an all-important mission to save lots of her single mother’s video retailer from mortgage sharks. The story engages gamers to make choices that are usually not adherently good or evil and follows by way of to make sure gamers actively face the implications for these decisions. While Ali’s id as a lesbian is just not the main target of the story, it’s refreshing to see her same-sex relationship offered merely as a reality.
- Arcade Spirits: The New Challengers (Console) – Fiction Factory video games is devoted to delivering illustration that stays with you and this sequel doesn’t disappoint. Spearheaded by asexual author and director Stephe Gagne and non-binary narrative designer Aenne Schumman, you’ll be able to select your pronouns, customise your look, and romance whoever you need (or nobody in any respect) on this visible novel about arcade tradition, psychological well being, and gender id. With a number of endings and romance paths, gamers have a number of storylines to find, together with choices to be aromantic, asexual, or polyamorous.
Xbox Ambassadors Celebrate Pride 2023
This 12 months the Xbox Ambassadors Program is continuous our proud custom of highlighting tales, experiences, and recreation suggestions from Xbox Ambassadors within the LGBTQIA+ group. Check out the highlight beneath and head over to our Xbox Ambassador’s weblog to see extra featured Ambassadors sharing their experiences, recreation suggestions, and messages to the group.
ItsMileyGirl
She/Them
What would you prefer to share about your expertise as a member of the Xbox Ambassadors group?
My expertise being an Ambassador has all the time been so superior and optimistic, however much more so now! I just lately got here out as transfemme (yay!) and the group has been tremendous accepting, welcoming and accommodating to me! It makes me so comfortable and grateful to be a part of such an inclusive and welcoming group just like the Xbox Ambassadors group.
What message would you prefer to share with different members of the group?
My message to share with our group is solely this: Love. Love your self, love others and do your greatest to share love and kindness in a world that’s severely missing in it. With all of the anti-trans and anti-queer hate and payments and laws occurring, it’s extra necessary than ever to share love and help and stand with the queer communities. Allyship and pals are so appreciated! Black, Indigenous, People of Color and disabled queer persons are particularly in want of allies and help.
Artist Ari Liloan on the Xbox Logo Redesign
In recognition of Pride Month, Xbox commissioned artist Ari Liloan to design the paintings for this 12 months’s marketing campaign. Ari is a Filipino-Italian illustrator primarily based in Berlin, Germany. With the theme of “unapologetic,” Ari instantly had the picture of a knot of ribbons, celebrating the unapologetic variety inside the LGBTQIA+ group. The iridescent texture is an interpretation of the traditional rainbow, which permits the show of flags winding up collectively in unity, an expression of the complexity that may be a present of being a part of the LGBTQIA+ group.
Check out Ari’s artwork on Instagram and on Madebyari.com.
Xbox Plays Celebrates LGBTQIA+ Community
The Xbox Plays workforce will as soon as once more be spotlighting creators from the LGBTQIA+ group, inviting streamers to take over the channel at Twitch.television/Xbox – Tune in on Mondays to help your favourite streamers or make some new pals as they play!
June 5
Kiyoshi taking part in Tunic (11am PT)
MarisolLords taking part in Dead by Daylight (3pm PT)
June 19
Megoesmoo taking part in Just Dance 2 (3pm PT)
June 26
SafirePlease performs Chicory: A Colorful Tale (11am PT)
JermainePlays taking part in Tunic (3pm PT)
Xbox UK + DIGIPRIDE
Xbox UK is partnering with Gayming Magazine for the third 12 months working to have fun all issues LGBTQIA+ within the video games business proper as much as the tip of July. Throughout the DIGIPRIDE collaboration, you’ll be able to count on thrilling podcasts, livestream takeovers, panels and the possibility to win Xbox Pride gadgets, in addition to an Xbox Series S. There’s a lot extra to return, so preserve your eyes peeled to Xbox UK’s social channels for more information!
Asphalt 9 – Race for Pride
The Race for the Pride occasion in Asphalt 9 will go reside on June twenty third by way of July 2nd. New and present gamers will have the ability to take part as this racing title is obtainable for free on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC. Find the Pride Event within the Daily Events part and take part to acquire the Pride automotive decal. Complete all targets to unlock the McLaren P1.
Celebrate Pride in Overwatch 2
We need individuals taking part in Overwatch 2 to have a method to proudly have fun who they’re. Beginning on June 1, all people who logs into Overwatch 2 will obtain an intensive assortment of profile Player Icons and Name Cards celebrating the various various identities that make up the tapestry of this incredible group. Beyond what we’re doing in-game, Pride is a chance for us to offer again and help the LGBTQ+ group. We invite you to go to the Blizzard Gear Store to discover our new Pride-themed clothes and collectibles, curated by the Blizzard LGBT+ Employee Network, with all Blizzard proceeds being donated to the National Center for Transgender Equality.
Show Off Your Pride in Disney Dreamlight Valley
Get prepared to point out off your Pride in Disney Dreamlight Valley with a free assortment of colourful t-shirts! Fans will even have the ability to reside magically by making their very own clothes and furnishings designs with the in-game Touch of Magic device. In Update 5, Valley Villagers will have the ability to declare every tee with a singular declare code – keep tuned to Disney Dreamlight Valley socials for more information in June!
New Pride Gamerpic, Profile Theme, Wallpaper, and Avatar Items
In partnership with LGBTQIA+ communities at Xbox, we’re introducing a brand new gamerpic, profile theme, wallpaper, and avatar gadgets! The gamerpic and profile theme might be accessible quickly on console, Xbox PC app, and the Xbox cell app. Players on console may also present their pleasure with the brand new Pride movement background. Content is topic to availability by nation.
The Xbox Gear Shop celebrates Pride with a brand new 2023 assortment from Xbox and partnering Xbox Game Studios, together with previous favorites. Show your help with limited-edition t-shirts, luggage, and extra — all created by and with LGBTQIA+ communities. This 12 months’s assortment is filled with much more Xbox Game Studios designs. Shop Pride gear now.
Microsoft Casual Games is Showing Our Pride
Celebrate Pride Month with a NEW, restricted version Microsoft Casual Games t-shirt and an opportunity to WIN* a $50 Xbox Gear Shop Gift Card!
Join the enjoyable by sharing your love of video games within the Microsoft Casual Games Communities. View the new shirt right here and discover the Sweepstakes June 26th – 30th on Twitter and Facebook.
*Must be 18+ and reside in an Xbox Gear Shop supported transport area. Rules can be discovered right here.
Mojang Studios Minecraft Pride Gear
Celebrate Pride at full quantity in our gender-inclusive Minecraft Pride assortment designed for everybody. Check out the complete assortment on the official store of Minecraft.
Xbox Pride Controller with Xbox Design Lab
Last 12 months, we made an announcement of LGBTQIA+ visibility by releasing the Xbox Pride controller. This beloved and viral design continues to be accessible year-round with Xbox Design Lab.
Microsoft Inclusion is Innovation
This Pride Month and year-round, we acknowledge the various methods this various group continues to contribute and affect innovation at Microsoft and past. Join us in celebrating with highly effective worker tales of energy, group, and management by visiting Inclusion is Innovation.
