A UK Xbox graphic designer claims that Microsoft has a homophobic culture and that he suffered abuse over his sexuality at work.

Jamie Durrant, 38, is suing Microsoft for "hurt feelings" because he says he was called by nicknames including 'Fag Boy Jim'. Mocking messages were circulated with headings including 'I'm Jim and I'm Gay', 'Me and My Favourite Men' and 'Ladies Are Bad'.

Durrant said Redmond lacks policies to deal with homophobia and such complaints. Durrant, of Godalming, Surrey, is suing Microsoft at London South Employment Tribunal for discrimination on the ground of sexual orientation. He has been off sick with depression for seven months and is demanding £45,000 in compensation for lost earnings and injury to feelings. Redmond has been getting a rough ride lately in the pink press. 

Last month, Microsoft it banned a lesbian Xbox gamer who was being harassed by other players. Redmond claimed that her reference to her sexual orientation was considered "offensive" to the Xbox community.

Durrant was working for Lionhead Studios which was bought by Reading-based Microsoft two years ago.  Soon after Microsoft took over he started to get abusive emails. Durrant said he complained to human resources chiefs that there was a "homophobic attitude" within Microsoft. He agreed with them not to raise a formal grievance to keep things calm in the office if they sent out an email reminding staff not to be tossers.

No email was sent and when he asked about it, he was told tha the firm would have to draw up new policies before any email could be sent. Durrant was allegedly asked to sign a document agreeing not to raise a formal grievance and confirming that he was happy his complaint was being dealt with. He refused to sign but it was agreed that Microsoft would post its anti-discrimination policy on the firm's intranet for staff to see.

Durrant was offered counseling and he says he felt that they were making him out to be the one with the problem and not the homophobic aspects of the company. Microsoft denies discriminating on the ground of sexual orientation and is vigorously contesting Durrant's claim. 

The case will go before an employment tribunal later this year.