When it comes to MMOs,I've had a rather unique experience, being a transsexual (Male to female) Way back when, I wasn't aware of my own femininity, so I played as male characters. Now, everyone seemed to know I was female before I did (They thought I was a female person playing a male character) That got me some flak, and a whole lot of confusion on my part Fast forward today, while I'm IDing as female, and mid-transition. Now I play as female characters, and ID as female... And... I get even more flak, it's like I'm getting punished for being openly female, and playing games. It's pretty much either getting hit on by kids who are too young to have an inking of what to with a woman, REALLY creepy guys my own age (In the 20-25 range) aggressively hitting on me, or being assaulted with sexist comments which may or may not involve the production of sandwiches...
Having been a transgender support group facilitator, and knowing what I know about transgendered people. I've gotta wonder, are these guys who enjoy playing as female characters for reasons other than exploitation, exploring some sort of fetishistic transvestite side?
Also, not sure if you're all aware, but over 42% of gamers are actually female, so guys, think of how many of those are in hiding as male characters? Think of why they are, they're hiding from all the sexist bullshit, and unwanted advances from a large part of males. So guys, if you're thinking "there are no girls on the internet" then, first off, you'd be outright wrong, and second off, you're scaring them away from ever revealing that fact. If you'd actually like to see more female gamers, then stop shooting yourselves in your collective foots. And to the guys who aren't huge pigs, try to deter these assholes from harassing women (or any group for that matter), it'll do the whole community some good.