Adding Pronouns and Gender Flags to Steam Profiles

[nz]

Dear Steam Support,

I am writing to request the addition of pronouns and gender flag options to Steam profiles.

As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I believe it is important for players to be able to express their gender identity and pronouns on their profiles. This would allow for a more inclusive and welcoming gaming environment for all players.

Many other online platforms, including social media and gaming services, have already implemented similar features, and I believe Steam should follow suit. This would be a positive step towards creating a more inclusive and respectful community.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

[Mad Scientist]

govnuck233 původně napsal:

I understand Valve's desire to keep personal information minimal, and I appreciate their stance on privacy. However, I believe this is a matter of visibility and inclusivity, not just personal data. It wouldn't be mandatory. Players who don't want to share their pronouns or gender identity could simply leave the field blank. The option would be there for those who want to use it.

This is a video game store.
There is natural platform diversity, they don't do the whole dei stuff, they sell video games. Developers or publishers can make that sort of stuff and some have.

There are sites that focus in those sorts of things, and those places aren't here.

Basically it's customer or not customer here as what matters to them. Anything else is irrelevant to the business.

[TBS AlexDK]

Just stop with the whole inclusivity bs, it's just people who wants to make their made up gender their whole personality

[Ben Lubar]

govnuck233 původně napsal:

Ben Lubar původně napsal:

Didn't we have this exact discussion, like, a week ago?

Anyway, you can find my preferred pronouns in my profile description. To save you a click, I don't care what you call me as long as I know you're talking to me when you're talking to me.

You can put your preferred pronouns there too, or in your display name like some of my friends do, or in a custom showcase, or even in an achievements showcase if you play those games with the letter achievement icons.

Steam doesn't need a dedicated field for a specific piece of information you can voluntarily give. That's what the free-form description box is for.

Adding dedicated pronoun and gender flag options to Steam profiles would offer a more visible and impactful way to promote inclusivity. It's about creating a space where everyone feels respected and valued, not just those who are willing to go the extra mile to express themselves.

And for someone whose gender isn't on the list of approved genders? Or someone who hasn't come out yet? Adding a list of prescribed gender choices doesn't help them. If someone wants that information on their profile, there are already many ways to put that information on a profile that don't require Valve to maintain a list of "allowed" genders.

[Nx Machina]

govnuck233 původně napsal:

Adding dedicated pronoun and gender flag options to Steam profiles would offer a more visible and impactful way to promote inclusivity. It's about creating a space where everyone feels respected and valued, not just those who are willing to go the extra mile to express themselves.

Inclusivity? Respect?

And yet you chose to post:

govnuck233 původně napsal:

As a member of the LGBTQ+ community,

When it is actually LGBTQIA+.

Secondly there is in-fighting within that
community against trans and bi while in turn CIS are maligned by that community, so inclusive is hardly a reality.

[nz]

Nx Machina původně napsal:

govnuck233 původně napsal:

Adding dedicated pronoun and gender flag options to Steam profiles would offer a more visible and impactful way to promote inclusivity. It's about creating a space where everyone feels respected and valued, not just those who are willing to go the extra mile to express themselves.

Inclusivity? Respect?

And yet you chose to post:

govnuck233 původně napsal:

As a member of the LGBTQ+ community,

When it is actually LGBTQIA+.

Secondly there is in-fighting within that
community against trans and bi while in turn CIS are maligned by that community, so inclusive is hardly a reality.

Despite differences, the vast majority of the LGBTQ+ community shares a common goal: to be treated with respect and dignity. Providing a space where individuals can express their gender identity and pronouns openly contributes to that goal.

While we must acknowledge internal conflict, it's crucial to remember that LGBTQ+ individuals also face significant challenges from outside forces. Promoting inclusivity and visibility helps create a more welcoming environment for everyone within the community.

[nz]

Mad Scientist původně napsal:

govnuck233 původně napsal:

I understand Valve's desire to keep personal information minimal, and I appreciate their stance on privacy. However, I believe this is a matter of visibility and inclusivity, not just personal data. It wouldn't be mandatory. Players who don't want to share their pronouns or gender identity could simply leave the field blank. The option would be there for those who want to use it.

This is a video game store.
There is natural platform diversity, they don't do the whole dei stuff, they sell video games. Developers or publishers can make that sort of stuff and some have.

There are sites that focus in those sorts of things, and those places aren't here.

Basically it's customer or not customer here as what matters to them. Anything else is irrelevant to the business.

While it's true that Steam primarily functions as a video game distribution platform, it also serves as a social space where millions of gamers connect, interact, and form communities. As such, the addition of pronouns and gender flag options is not merely a matter of following trends but of fostering inclusivity and respect among its diverse user base.

[Ben Lubar]

Nx Machina původně napsal:

Inclusivity? Respect?

And yet you chose to post:

govnuck233 původně napsal:

As a member of the LGBTQ+ community,

When it is actually LGBTQIA+.

I personally prefer to write it as QUILTBAG because that's pronounceable. But I'm not a cop and I don't police how people talk about things. As long as I understand what they're saying, I don't care what words or spellings they use.

[Boblin the Goblin]

govnuck233 původně napsal:

Nx Machina původně napsal:

Inclusivity? Respect?

And yet you chose to post:



When it is actually LGBTQIA+.

Secondly there is in-fighting within that
community against trans and bi while in turn CIS are maligned by that community, so inclusive is hardly a reality.

Despite differences, the vast majority of the LGBTQ+ community shares a common goal: to be treated with respect and dignity. Providing a space where individuals can express their gender identity and pronouns openly contributes to that goal.

While we must acknowledge internal conflict, it's crucial to remember that LGBTQ+ individuals also face significant challenges from outside forces. Promoting inclusivity and visibility helps create a more welcoming environment for everyone within the community.

You literally can right now.

Your profile bio allows you to put your pronouns/gender/sexuality in it. You can upload art of LGBT flags and have them as a showcase on your profile.

You can literally do more expression than you could with a list selection.

[Mad Scientist]

govnuck233 původně napsal:

While it's true that Steam primarily functions as a video game distribution platform, it also serves as a social space where millions of gamers connect, interact, and form communities. As such, the addition of pronouns and gender flag options is not merely a matter of following trends but of fostering inclusivity and respect among its diverse user base.

Many countries including one of the biggest markets for games are entirely against such things, so remaining neutral and letting people write whatever on their profiles within the rules is as good as one is going to get.

When a large chunk of your entire customer base is against trends, it's best to remain neutral as a platform. This isn't reddit or facebook, this is a video game store. Social functions or not Valve has succeeded by not adopting every social trend other sites/companies do, which usually causes severe brand damage when adopting & spreading such things. Now apply the negative affects for the fact it's got international customers not just national and a large amount of those countries resist such things, and you'd create a recipe for disaster.

[nz]

SlowMango původně napsal:

govnuck233 původně napsal:

Despite differences, the vast majority of the LGBTQ+ community shares a common goal: to be treated with respect and dignity. Providing a space where individuals can express their gender identity and pronouns openly contributes to that goal.

While we must acknowledge internal conflict, it's crucial to remember that LGBTQ+ individuals also face significant challenges from outside forces. Promoting inclusivity and visibility helps create a more welcoming environment for everyone within the community.

You literally can right now.

Your profile bio allows you to put your pronouns/gender/sexuality in it. You can upload art of LGBT flags and have them as a showcase on your profile.

You can literally do more expression than you could with a list selection.

While it's true that users can add pronouns, gender, and sexuality in their bios and showcase art related to LGBTQ+ identity, these methods are not as immediately visible or standardized as dedicated profile fields.

Having specific options for pronouns and gender flags integrated into the profile settings would make these aspects of identity more visible and easily recognizable at a glance, without requiring other users to read through bios or interpret showcased artwork. This kind of visibility is important for fostering an inclusive environment where users can quickly understand and respect each other's identities.

Moreover, standardized fields for pronouns and gender help normalize these aspects of identity, promoting respect and understanding across the community. It also aligns Steam with best practices seen on other platforms that prioritize inclusivity.

[nz]

Mad Scientist původně napsal:

govnuck233 původně napsal:

While it's true that Steam primarily functions as a video game distribution platform, it also serves as a social space where millions of gamers connect, interact, and form communities. As such, the addition of pronouns and gender flag options is not merely a matter of following trends but of fostering inclusivity and respect among its diverse user base.

Many countries including one of the biggest markets for games are entirely against such things, so remaining neutral and letting people write whatever on their profiles within the rules is as good as one is going to get.

When a large chunk of your entire customer base is against trends, it's best to remain neutral as a platform. This isn't reddit or facebook, this is a video game store. Social functions or not Valve has succeeded by not adopting every social trend other sites/companies do, which usually causes severe brand damage when adopting & spreading such things. Now apply the negative affects for the fact it's got international customers not just national and a large amount of those countries resist such things, and you'd create a recipe for disaster.

I understand the concern about maintaining neutrality in a diverse international market. However, adding pronouns and gender flags to profiles is not about taking a political stance; it’s about acknowledging and respecting the identities of all users.

Providing these options as a part of profile customization does not force any particular view but simply offers users the choice to express themselves if they wish. This optionality ensures that those who prefer not to use these features are not affected while providing an important tool for those who do.

Many global companies have found ways to be inclusive while respecting cultural differences, and Steam can certainly find a balanced approach. Enhancing user profiles with pronouns and gender flags can contribute to a more welcoming environment without alienating users who prefer not to engage with these options.

Valve has always been a leader in creating a community-focused platform, and taking steps to support all users, including those from the LGBTQ+ community, can only strengthen its reputation as an inclusive and forward-thinking company.

[Nx Machina]

govnuck233 původně napsal:

Despite differences, the vast majority of the LGBTQ+ community shares a common goal: to be treated with respect and dignity. Providing a space where individuals can express their gender identity and pronouns openly contributes to that goal.

While we must acknowledge internal conflict, it's crucial to remember that LGBTQ+ individuals also face significant challenges from outside forces. Promoting inclusivity and visibility helps create a more welcoming environment for everyone within the community.

Despite the differences? My, my did you forget you posted.

govnuck233 původně napsal:

Adding dedicated pronoun and gender flag options to Steam profiles would offer a more visible and impactful way to promote inclusivity. It's about creating a space where everyone feels respected and valued, not just those who are willing to go the extra mile to express themselves.

And yet you want to exclude those you disapprove of within your own community, so not inclusive but exclusive based on selective criteria.

The reality - CIS do not get a voice after you avoid mentoning CIS and trans and bi - hmmm, who.

[KalGimpa]

govnuck233 původně napsal:

SlowMango původně napsal:

You literally can right now.

Your profile bio allows you to put your pronouns/gender/sexuality in it. You can upload art of LGBT flags and have them as a showcase on your profile.

You can literally do more expression than you could with a list selection.

While it's true that users can add pronouns, gender, and sexuality in their bios and showcase art related to LGBTQ+ identity, these methods are not as immediately visible or standardized as dedicated profile fields.

Having specific options for pronouns and gender flags integrated into the profile settings would make these aspects of identity more visible and easily recognizable at a glance, without requiring other users to read through bios or interpret showcased artwork. This kind of visibility is important for fostering an inclusive environment where users can quickly understand and respect each other's identities.

Moreover, standardized fields for pronouns and gender help normalize these aspects of identity, promoting respect and understanding across the community. It also aligns Steam with best practices seen on other platforms that prioritize inclusivity.

create a guide to help people that are looking to do this

label it so it easy to find

i much prefer this system

i do not want to have to select anything that has to do with my gender

even if it is simply

"i do not want to tell you"

[nz]

Nx Machina původně napsal:

govnuck233 původně napsal:

Despite differences, the vast majority of the LGBTQ+ community shares a common goal: to be treated with respect and dignity. Providing a space where individuals can express their gender identity and pronouns openly contributes to that goal.

While we must acknowledge internal conflict, it's crucial to remember that LGBTQ+ individuals also face significant challenges from outside forces. Promoting inclusivity and visibility helps create a more welcoming environment for everyone within the community.

Despite the differences? My, my did you forget you posted.

govnuck233 původně napsal:

Adding dedicated pronoun and gender flag options to Steam profiles would offer a more visible and impactful way to promote inclusivity. It's about creating a space where everyone feels respected and valued, not just those who are willing to go the extra mile to express themselves.

And yet you want to exclude those you disapprove of within your own community, so not inclusive but exclusive based on selective criteria.

The reality - CIS do not get a voice after you avoid mentoning CIS and trans and bi - hmmm, who.

The aim of suggesting dedicated pronoun and gender flag options is to provide an additional, standardized way for all users, including cisgender individuals, to express their identities. This feature wouldn't exclude anyone; instead, it would offer a more visible and accessible method for everyone to share their pronouns and gender, fostering a respectful environment for all.

Regarding the internal conflicts within the LGBTQ+ community, it's important to recognize that diversity of thought and experience exists in every group. The goal is not to create exclusivity but to offer tools that help everyone feel seen and respected. By allowing users to choose whether or not to display pronouns and gender flags, Steam can cater to the diverse preferences within its user base without imposing on anyone.

Ultimately, the goal is to enhance the overall user experience by promoting inclusivity and respect across the board. This benefits not just the LGBTQ+ community but everyone who values a supportive and welcoming gaming environment.

[Boblin the Goblin]

govnuck233 původně napsal:

SlowMango původně napsal:

You literally can right now.

Your profile bio allows you to put your pronouns/gender/sexuality in it. You can upload art of LGBT flags and have them as a showcase on your profile.

You can literally do more expression than you could with a list selection.

While it's true that users can add pronouns, gender, and sexuality in their bios and showcase art related to LGBTQ+ identity, these methods are not as immediately visible or standardized as dedicated profile fields.

Having specific options for pronouns and gender flags integrated into the profile settings would make these aspects of identity more visible and easily recognizable at a glance, without requiring other users to read through bios or interpret showcased artwork. This kind of visibility is important for fostering an inclusive environment where users can quickly understand and respect each other's identities.

Moreover, standardized fields for pronouns and gender help normalize these aspects of identity, promoting respect and understanding across the community. It also aligns Steam with best practices seen on other platforms that prioritize inclusivity.

They are immediately visible.

The profile bio is literally at the top of the profile right besides the pfp. You can make the art showcase the top-most item on the profile to be right under the bio.

What's the difference between having a person read the first part of a bio and reading a 'dedicated section' that list the pronoun/gender/sexuality? What's the difference between making an artwork of an LGBT flag in the showcase and having it as a smaller icon on the profile?

If they would have to 'interpret' an artwork showcase of an LGBT flag, then they would have to do the same for a small icon on a profile.