EA hosting LGBT discussion event today
EA is hosting a "Full Spectrum" event in New York today, which will be used as a platform for discussion LGBT issues in gaming.
The event's site reads, "Whether it has been taking a stand against DOMA, introducing same gender romance in our games, or participating in Pride events in our communities it seems we’ve always been met with some opposition and hateful comments.
"It got us thinking here that it was time to bring people together to talk about these issues and not sweep them under the rug."
The event will include panel discussions featuring the following participants:
- Gordon Bellamy, Tencent
- Sean Bugg, Metro Weekly
- Matt Bromberg, General Manager, BioWare Austin
- Michael Cole-Schwartz, HRC Media Director
- Deena Fidas, HRC Workplace Program Director
- Maya Harris, Ford Foundation
- Dan Hewitt, ESA
- Ellen Kahn, HRC Family Project Director
- Lucas Pattan, Out for Undergraduate Technology Conference (OUTC)
- Hilary Rosen, CNN and Washington Post Contributor
- Caryl Shaw, KIXEYE
- Jaap Tuinman, EA Community Manager
- Luis A. Ubinas, President, Ford Foundation
EA was awarded an 100% rating by the Human Rights Campaign for its open stance on LGBT issues, and equality in games, and the publisher has been open to discussion on such issues in the past.
The panel discussions will surely raise many key points surrounding LGBT issues in gaming today, such as open relationships in Mass Effect, to the stigma surrounding such issues from pockets of gamers and media.
What's your take on the issue? Let us know below.
Thanks MCV.