Microsoft supporting LGBT gaming convention

Next summer's LGBT gaming and geek lifestyle convention Gaymercon has drawn the support of one of the largest players in the industry: Microsoft. Xbox Live developers have launched a video (embedded below), showing why its employees are looking forward to the convention.

Gaymercon is the result of a successful Kickstarter campaign. With just over a day to go, the fund has rocketed past its $25,000 original target, amassing over $76,000 from more than 1,300 backers. The convention will take place August 3-4, 2013 in San Francisco, California and is open to the public.

According to its Kickstarter page description, Gaymercon aims to dispel stereotypes and provide a safe place for gamers of all sizes, genders, races, and sexual identities.

“At Microsoft we value the ideas and leadership of all of our employees and believe an inclusive and diverse community is important to a thriving Xbox Live," a Microsoft spokesperson told GameSpot. "This video was an employee-driven effort to show support of GaymerCon’s Kickstarter campaign and had the full support of Xbox Live leadership.”

Microsoft has previously handled LGBT members of its online communities with some controversy. In 2009, Microsoft banned a gamer for self-identifying as a lesbian on Xbox Live. Microsoft later apologized, characterizing its own policies as "inelegant."