• Freedom of expression is a right in most countries.  Even in countries that control and restrict the flow of information like Burma, China, etcetera, individuals are "free" to express themselves in private.  Yet, despite this liberty to communicate essentially anything, we, as individuals, should continuously evaluate our actions based on their consequences, rather than against personal values.
• Now that exams are over, I've been seeing friends online more often and hearing degrading remark, perhaps unintentional, towards members of the LGBQT community (Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Queer, Questioning, Transgender)
• Usually during a full game, someone uses the words gay, f**ot or homo in a derogatory fashion.  While I can only imagine how a member of the LGBQT community feel damaged by these remarks, clearly, we don't make such degrading marks towards other minorities... other members... of our gaming community like women, blacks, Hispanics, etcetera.
• Perhaps, this dynamic stems from 2 factors, relative online anonymity and lack of conventional social constraints.  This creates a digital playground; wherein, people act differently than they would at say the bank or grocery.

Good post Hanfei, very true as well.  people use those remarks online but would those people go up to someones face on their own and say those remarks?  i dont think so.