The recent controversy began when a player going by the handle Xoe posted an extensive Google Doc documenting what she called "the suppression of gay/trans identities" in Tabletop Simulator's global chat.

The chat logs cited in that doc include numerous instances of temporary bans issued right after Xoe discussed her personal sexual or gender identity in the chat.

In those cases, moderators cited posted rules that "there is an expectation that discussion will be family friendly and centered around Tabletop Simulator, tabletop games, and chatting with other players." Moderators specifically told Xoe that "discussing sexuality has no place in global chat" and that "Tabletop Simulator is about playing tabletop games, not a place to discuss sexuality, fetishes, politics [emphasis added].

When pressed on why discussion of personal sexuality or gender identity fit into those categories, a moderator told Xoe that the global chat is meant primarily for players looking for a group to play with and is not intended for "bickering about differing views...

All we ask is that you chat about boardgames, rather than touchy subjects not relevant to what Tabletop Simulator is about.".

Writing in the Google Doc, though, Xoe said that discussing personal sexual and gender identity is necessary for some when looking for a group of supportive players to join in a game.

Early last week, the company announced it had "decided to take down global chat as we reassess our moderation process, as clearly we have some shortcomings." The company apologized for the bans highlighted above and stressed that it "has not and does not condone equating sexual orientation/gender identity with fetishes, politics, or anti-family friendly sentiment.".