Microsoft, the makers of Xbox, have of Pride-themed skins for their gaming systems.
The collection includes skins for controllers as well as consoles, featuring the rainbow Pride flag, the trans Pride flag, and creative variations of them. The collection also includes a couple LGBTI-themed t-shirts for gamers.
When Xbox Tweeted about the collection on 31 May, many non-LGBTI gamers were offended, wondering where their ‘Straight Pride’ collection was.
Some were so enraged that they threatened to become a Playstation user. However, some Twitter users pointed out that Playstation is also LGBTI-friendly.
Some LGBTI gamers, however, were excited and inspired by Xbox’s new collection.
Other gamers pointed out Microsoft’s history of non-discrimination policies that have been in place since the 1980s.
Some saw the campaign as a cheap publicity stunt, though.
This idea of corporations acting LGBTI-friendly only during the month of June is something many LGBTI activists have concerns about. Actor Indya Moore, for instance, to discuss how this rainbow-washing, so to speak, doesn’t necessarily benefit LGBTI people.
