Should Gays be allowed to give blood?

[Φρανκομβριτ]

I'm a 19 year old gay male, and here in Québec, and the rest of North America, I am not allowed to give blood.

I would like to, and I would be saving lives, but am legally not alowed.

From Héma Québec http://www.hema-quebec.qc.ca/donner/don-de-sang/qui-peut-donner-du-sang/hsh-detail.en.html?mode=preview
For several years, men have been asked the following question: "Have you ever had sex with a man, even one time, since 1977?" This same question is asked by all organizations that collect blood in North America. A similar question is asked in most industrialized countries elsewhere in the world.

First off, I loled at that. But they go on to say

The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) sets the standards in matters of transfusion safety. These standards provide a basis for the federal regulations applied by Health Canada. In 2009, Héma-Québec submitted a request to amend the criteria applied to men who have had sexual relations with other men to the CSA. Héma-Québec is waiting for a response from that organization.

Health Canada has also been informed about this undertaking. To date, Health Canada has maintained the permanent exclusion of men who have or have had sexual relations with other men.

So do you agree or dissagree with the laws in place?

[restricted NA]

Yes of course gays should be able to give blood , everyone should be able to. As long as a person whatever sexual preference doesn't have any kind of disease like (HIV ,AIDS). If anyone doesn't have a life threatening disease then they should be able to give blood.

[Iceman]

A gay is no different than anyone else out there. Why shoulnd't they be able to give blood? This reminds me of when AIDS was introduced, everyone thought it was contagious by air and all of that. But it was safe. Just like a gay's blood. They are still a human, a homosapien.

[deadpie]

Man dying needs blood, but the only bag left is from a gay man. You really think the man dying gives a fuck if he takes it in the ass or not? He wants the damn blood.

Yes, they should be able to donate blood.

[restricted NA]

A gay is no different than anyone else out there. Why shoulnd't they be able to give blood? This reminds me of when AIDS was introduced, everyone thought it was contagious by air and all of that. But it was safe. Just like a gay's blood. They are still a human, a homosapien.

Your quite correct sir, when aids fist developed everyone shunned the first population of sufferers. It wasn't there fault it actually originally came from monkeys from a disease called reterovirus, which has a similar structure in bacteria as HIV.

[User Deleted]

Gays should be allowed to give blood. They never did anything so horrible not to be able to donate blood, which would have to be pretty extreme. They do not have a disease, there is no way others can be contaminated. People can be just flat out ridiculous some times.

[Infidelitas]

We are humans, not mythical beings. Straight people can have aids too you know

[Jess]

of course they should. there's no problem with them donating blood, as long as they don't have HIV, AIDS

[Patchy]

Its the same in the UK.

I think its really unfair. They test the blood extensively before its allowed to be used therefore if there was a trace of AIDS/any form of blood disease it would be easily noticed.

It really pisses me off when they come into schools and pressure people to give blood and I just want to scream out "Well I fucking can't so shut up"

A lot of Gay people I know are giving blood just to prove their blood is totally safe.....Though technically they are breaking the law.

[Φρανκομβριτ]

Its the same in the UK.

I think its really unfair. They test the blood extensively before its allowed to be used therefore if there was a trace of AIDS/any form of blood disease it would be easily noticed.

It really pisses me off when they come into schools and pressure people to give blood and I just want to scream out "Well I fucking can't so shut up"

A lot of Gay people I know are giving blood just to prove their blood is totally safe.....Though technically they are breaking the law.

I agree completely! I really wanted to do that myself, but at the risk of deportation, it's not worth it. But as you said, with all the testing ALL blood goes through, there should be no risk. If gays can't give blood, then why don't we stop other ethnic groups? Just as restrictive.

[RoseyCadaver]

Yes they should be able,but I don't think anyone with spreadable diseases and stays with you should be.Idc what the statics say Straight people have just much as a chance to get HIV and AIDS as a homosexual would.

[Azunite]

So absurd. They can just run a small AIDS test and there you go sir, clean blood for the sick.

[anonymous53]

I agree, completely ridiculous. Why the heck does it matter? Fully straight people can contract AIDS just as much as homosexuals.

[Drake14]

Its a really bad and stupid generalization to say oh most gay ppl must have diseases in their blood.

[Unique Physique]

It will change eventually. These things, unfortunately, take time and it's one of those things people just haven't been bothered to look into, and I don't really see many gay men protesting about this issue either, just being honest here. There's common sense reasons why they shouldn't be discriminated against, simply because all blood is tested, but then again common sense and the law don't go hand in hand.

But it's a bit like the DADT policy, all it will take is someone who cares enough to bring up the issue, and it will most likely be changed.

[Belton21]

I see nothing wrong with it as long as they test negative for HIV aids or any thing else...But that should go for all people to give blood..

[bleedoutlove]

This policy is ridiculous. It's like saying all gay men, or men who've participated in group sex involving another male have AIDS. Obviously that's complete rubbish, straight people get STDs aswell! Just put gay people and straight people through the same test for potential diseases and allow them to give blood and help.

[suza23]

I'm not saying it is right a wrong but the reason they don't allow homosexuals to give blood is because anal intercourse usually isn't accompanied with a condom and anal sex is associated with a much higher rate of transmission of STI's including HIV.

This being said even though you test negative for HIV you can still have it. You're supposed to get tested every 6 months because of this. They were just taking precautions by not letting you give blood.

[bleedoutlove]

I'm not saying it is right a wrong but the reason they don't allow homosexuals to give blood is because anal intercourse usually isn't accompanied with a condom and anal sex is associated with a much higher rate of transmission of STI's including HIV.

This being said even though you test negative for HIV you can still have it. You're supposed to get tested every 6 months because of this. They were just taking precautions by not letting you give blood.

Straight people have anal sex too.

[Hope4u]

all this about gays being more likely to have "Aids"....not true..there are more cases reported in the United Stated of "heterosexual" people than homosexual..heterosexuals actually have more risk factors such as one night stands and iv drug abuse..if they are worried about the spread then I guess we should reject everyone..besides..who says you have to answer them correctly about your bedroom activities.

[AutumnDae]

I've been in the situation where I've come extremely close to needing a blood transfusion, and that point I could have cared less if it was coming from a donkey. Anything that would have made me better would have been fine in my book.

So yeah, I don't see a problem with gay men donating blood.

[suza23]

Straight people have anal sex too.

I am aware of that I just stated the real reason behind why they can't. And statistically homosexual men have a higher chance of getting HIV and they don't want to pass that disease on.

[Φρανκομβριτ]

It will change eventually. These things, unfortunately, take time and it's one of those things people just haven't been bothered to look into, and I don't really see many gay men protesting about this issue either, just being honest here. There's common sense reasons why they shouldn't be discriminated against, simply because all blood is tested, but then again common sense and the law don't go hand in hand.

But it's a bit like the DADT policy, all it will take is someone who cares enough to bring up the issue, and it will most likely be changed.

Héma Québec has already asked the government to change the law. It's obvious that they don't care that innocent people will die waiting for a transfusion. As long as us fags can't donate. Because we all have aids.....

This won't change unless enough people fight for it. I for one believe, contrary to the government of this country, that lives are worth more than discrimination.

[Limelight788]

Is this even a question? Yes, gay men should be able to donate, there's no reason why gay men shouldn't be able to choose to donate blood.

[Blake1994]

No they should not. Simply because of the risk of AIDS and other diseases contracted through anal sex. Yes, yes, straight people can have anal sex too and also contract full-blown AIDs. Before any of you start trying to educate me on that one, I know that already. I am simply saying that the risk of AIDs is extremely higher in homosexuals than it is in heterosexuals. I am not a homophobe either before anyone accuses me of that. I simply do not believe that gays should be allowed to donate blood. Blood tests fr AIDS / HIV are not always accurate and effective. I wouldn't want to be on death's door and in need of a blood transfusion, only to find out that if I do survive, I'm going to die anyway from AIDs because of the blood I received in a transfusion. Sorry, but I believe the current laws on this should remain in place. Let the hate begin against me.

[Lights]

I don't see how governments can afford to be so fussy about the blood they take when there are people in dire need of it. I think this boils down to a simple case of testing the blood. Despite what Blake said, blood tests for AIDS and HIV are very effective, especially in medically advanced countries like the UK, America and Australia. I think it is fair to test their blood because after doing a little research of my own on this, I can see how AIDS and HIV are often more common in homosexuals. To delve in a little further, it's quite simply that during anal sex between two men, the man receiving is very much at risk of a rip/tear in his anus (which isn't designed to stretch, whereas a vagina is) which can then get infected very easily. Because I understand this risk, I do think it's worth testing the blood of homosexuals; however I do not think it should be made illegal with no testing done whatsoever. I'm gay myself, so I hope that didn't come across as homophobic at all.

[Spook]

Gay people's blodd is not infected by some rare disease that you get from being gay...what the fuck? They are capable of helping others...gay people are just the same as anybody else...they should NOT be denied rights under ANY circumstance.

[suza23]

all this about gays being more likely to have "Aids"....not true..there are more cases reported in the United Stated of "heterosexual" people than homosexual..heterosexuals actually have more risk factors such as one night stands and iv drug abuse..if they are worried about the spread then I guess we should reject everyone..besides..who says you have to answer them correctly about your bedroom activities.

Where are you getting your incorrect statistics from?

[Blake1994]

Gay people's blodd is not infected by some rare disease that you get from being gay...what the fuck? They are capable of helping others...gay people are just the same as anybody else...they should NOT be denied rights under ANY circumstance.

You are misunderstanding this entirely. Gays are MORE AT RISK of contracting HIV / AIDs than Straight people. Yes, of course straight people can contract the disease too. It isn't always from sex either. The point is no one is saying you get a disease from being gay, you are at higher risk of contracting the disease if you are gay.

[Korashk]

You are misunderstanding this entirely. Gays are MORE AT RISK of contracting HIV / AIDs than Straight people. Yes, of course straight people can contract the disease too. It isn't always from sex either. The point is no one is saying you get a disease from being gay, you are at higher risk of contracting the disease if you are gay.
So are black people. Should black people be barred from donating blood? Plus, lesbians have the lowest rate of transfer than any other pairing (although, I'm not entirely sure if the ban applies to lesbians).

[Blake1994]

So are black people. Should black people be barred from donating blood? Plus, lesbians have the lowest rate of transfer than any other pairing (although, I'm not entirely sure if the ban applies to lesbians).

Oh please, don't even start trying to turn this into a racial issue. I'm not even going to there at all. Anyway, as far as lesbians, I'm pretty sure when it comes to homosexuals being more at risk, they mean homosexual males.

[Sith Lord 13]

So are black people. Should black people be barred from donating blood? Plus, lesbians have the lowest rate of transfer than any other pairing (although, I'm not entirely sure if the ban applies to lesbians).

It doesn't.


The ban is an overreaction.

[Love.Hate]

I think if anyone wants to give blood then let them, as long as they dont have HIVS or AIDS then what is the problem?

[BrokenXPaperXDolls]

It shouldnt matter if the person who gives blood is gay. everyone should be allowed to as long as they dont have HIV or Aids.

[Nihilus]

That's fucking discrimination. The fucking bastards who came up with that law should be ashamed. Oh and the people who say they shouldn't be able to because they have anal sex, well NEWSFLASH: straight People have anal sex too! They are at the same risk as gays......

[Jess]

No they should not. Simply because of the risk of AIDS and other diseases contracted through anal sex. Yes, yes, straight people can have anal sex too and also contract full-blown AIDs. Before any of you start trying to educate me on that one, I know that already. I am simply saying that the risk of AIDs is extremely higher in homosexuals than it is in heterosexuals. I am not a homophobe either before anyone accuses me of that. I simply do not believe that gays should be allowed to donate blood. Blood tests fr AIDS / HIV are not always accurate and effective. I wouldn't want to be on death's door and in need of a blood transfusion, only to find out that if I do survive, I'm going to die anyway from AIDs because of the blood I received in a transfusion. Sorry, but I believe the current laws on this should remain in place. Let the hate begin against me.

then the blood will be and should be checked for any HIV/AIDs. if there is none, that person, gay or not, should be allowed to donate blood.

[Dimitri]

They should be allowed. I am a phlebotomist and we always test the blood so there is no reason for us to throw it out due to diseases. I am afraid they are just blowing smoke up your ass. We always throw away needles to keep sterile procedures in order. You should be allowed. If you want to know anything more about the process please don't hesitate to email me. Sorry abou. Any spell mistakes because I am on my iPod.

[Immortal Love]

I think they should be allowed. They are just as human as everyone else. It's not like the person recieving a blood transfusion from a Gay Male will turn themselves. People are just over-reacting these days anymore, and I am sorry for all the grief unkind souls have caused.

[Dimitri]

and I am sorry for all the grief unkind souls have caused.

Preach it sister!!!! Can I get an amen!!

[Bimmerhead]

I understand the logic of the law in the 80s maybe but gays not being able to give blood is a little overkill by todays standards. They do extensive blood testing like others said. The only reason I could see a law like this in effect is because they probably made it in the 80s when HIV was actually an epidemic in the gay community and it cost more to test blood as it was 20-30 years ago.

[suza23]

then the blood will be and should be checked for any HIV/AIDs. if there is none, that person, gay or not, should be allowed to donate blood.

Jess they do check it but the very beginnings of HIV are undetectable and can pass a STD test yet still be infected with the disease

[Φρανκομβριτ]

Oh please, don't even start trying to turn this into a racial issue. I'm not even going to there at all. Anyway, as far as lesbians, I'm pretty sure when it comes to homosexuals being more at risk, they mean homosexual males.

In all fairness (not that I have anything against any other cultures), but those from African countries are at a higher risk of HIV or AIDS, in some cases, even more than Gays.

As for lesbians, they are allowed to donate blood, the rule is against a man and a man having sex since 1977.

[Drew7]

Jess they do check it but the very beginnings of HIV are undetectable and can pass a STD test yet still be infected with the disease


I didn't know that! I thought places like the red cross tested it!

[Wicked_Syn]

Of course they should! If we can't allow homosexual people to donate blood, then why can we allow heterosexual people to donate?

[Death]

CSA probably don't actually believe their bullshit, they are just a bunch of bigoted cunts who want to impose their bigotry on others in true conservative style. No-one is actually that stupid, right?

Suffice to say, of course homosexuals should be able to give blood. If someone is dying and desperately needs blood, do you think they give a shit about what the doner likes doing in his spare time? And if they do, I can't say I'd particually mourn their suffering.

[Crocbait230]

What thats total Bull**** why cant gays give blood
blood has nothing to do with being gay.

[Φρανκομβριτ]

now, also a good question. Would it be wrong of me to donate my blood and not tell them I am gay? I don't really feel like the deportation if I get caught, but in all honnesty, how will they know?

[boom17]

What does AIDS have to do with anything? It's not like they give the blood you just donated to the person who needs it right that second. They do all sorts of tests that makes sure the blood is healthy and not contaminated with HIV or AIDS otherwise they throw it away.

Everyone should be able to donate blood.

Jess they do check it but the very beginnings of HIV are undetectable and can pass a STD test yet still be infected with the disease

this was the case 15+ years ago, not anymore.

What does AIDS have to do with anything? It's not like they give the blood you just donated to the person who needs it right that second. They do all sorts of tests that makes sure the blood is healthy and not contaminated with HIV or AIDS otherwise they throw it away.

Everyone should be able to donate blood.

Haha
I agree completely.
I was thinking of this thread when I gave blood and the lady pricked my finger to test my blood and I asked why gay people are not a aloud to give blood and she said it's because of the AIDS epidemic back in the 70's and 80's not necessarily AIDS now a days. So if you're gay and you where born in like the 90's the odds are you don't have AIDS but they still wont let you give blood if you're gay just as a precaution even though they know you probably don't have AIDS.

---
Moderator note : Please do not double post again, there is a perfectly good "EDIT" button which you can use if you want to add more to your last post. You can only post again once you are not the latest poster in that thread. - Hank Scorpio (Michael)

[RoseyCadaver]

If i could give blood (I can't cause I have aortic stenosis :[ ) I would tell them I'm bisexual,and they would never know :D...If i could give blood :[.Having even a mild heart disease sucks sometimes :P.

[Mewp]

In New Zealand the question is 'within the last 10 years.' Naturally, I no longer give blood and have written a letter explicitly outlining my feelings about the question.

Fuck those muppets.

[Thylacine]

I am totally in favor of this gay men should be able to give blood. This regulation is based on old prejudices and misconceptions that gay men are more likely to have aids which doesn't make sense when 9/10 people are heterosexual.

[TuRdz]

Yes. Homosexuals should be able to give blood. As long as they cover all other requirements e.g. no STI's, heart condition, history of illness in family, etc. Plus, they're equally as likely to get an STI as everyone else. I don't see any reason why they should be able to donate.

[Sogeking]

now, also a good question. Would it be wrong of me to donate my blood and not tell them I am gay? I don't really feel like the deportation if I get caught, but in all honnesty, how will they know?

If it come out clean, then there's no harm done. If it doesn't and the given comes down with something, guess who will be in deep shit?

[Death]

If it come out clean, then there's no harm done. If it doesn't and the given comes down with something, guess who will be in deep shit?

Except that there can be similar complications for heterosexuals too. CSA are just primitive bigots who need to pull their head out of the sand. By the way, who the fuck voted for no? It's shit like this that makes me prefer public polls.

[BrokenXPaperXDolls]

I cant beleive 5 people said no:mad:

[Sogeking]

Except that there can be similar complications for heterosexuals too. CSA are just primitive bigots who need to pull their head out of the sand. By the way, who the fuck voted for no? It's shit like this that makes me prefer public polls.

Well yeah, that was aimed at anyone who lied about their sex life.

Don't look at me, I forgot this thread has a poll.

[Death]

Well yeah, that was aimed at anyone who lied about their sex life.

Why should a white lie about as somethign as trivial as their sex life even matter? This is especially trivial when someone's life is at stake and you simply want to give away some perfectly good blood.

[Dimitri]

now, also a good question. Would it be wrong of me to donate my blood and not tell them I am gay? I don't really feel like the deportation if I get caught, but in all honnesty, how will they know?
I would actually say give blood, the question is have you hd sexual encounters with a male and I have had them and I always put no. They screen your bloos and then if you get called within two weeks they are only calling to say "we noted this and this in your blood and we would just like to notify you for future references." I have had to makes those calls and they are not always fun. But I would honestly say you could even go and get yourself tested for aids and then take the results with you.

[Dorsum Oppel]

um gorss no way, everyon nows that gay ppl have aids just like how black ppl smeel lik watrmelon

[Spock]

blood is blood

[Charlotte93]

WTF!!!!!!!! Being gay has nothing to do with blood. OMG!!!! Well atleast you would like to give blood.

I'm not saying it is right a wrong but the reason they don't allow homosexuals to give blood is because anal intercourse usually isn't accompanied with a condom and anal sex is associated with a much higher rate of transmission of STI's including HIV.

This being said even though you test negative for HIV you can still have it. You're supposed to get tested every 6 months because of this. They were just taking precautions by not letting you give blood.


Then test them and if they come back negativ then let them give blood besides who says all gay people are sexualy active. It makes no sence to not let anyone give blood espeshaly if someone needs it.


Edit(Thor): Don't double post, use the edit button next time

[Skeptical Bear]

Homosexuals should be allowed to give blood. Sexual preference has nothing to do with it. As long as their are no illnesses obviously. Then you can give blood.

[Sith Lord 13]

Then test them and if they come back negativ then let them give blood besides who says all gay people are sexualy active. It makes no sence to not let anyone give blood espeshaly if someone needs it.

2 things for the record.

One. A negative test doesn't mean you're not a carrier.

Two. The actual question is if you're a man who's had sex with a man.

Honestly, if you really want to stop the spread of HIV the better question would apply to both sexes and be as follows:

Have you had unprotected sex with a non-fluid bonded partner or with a new partner in the past six months?

[pageplant77]

I'm kind of torn on this one...
I think the only reason gays can't give blood in the first place is derived from some paranoid thought about the risk of spreading AIDS, but I could be wrong.

[bornthisway]

Of course gays should be allowed to give blood! What's the difference?! If their blood is clean then why not give it to someone that needs it! What's the difference if a male has anal sex with a female, then if a male has anal sex with a male?! As long as the person willing to donate doesn't have an STD that can be transmitted through blood, then what the heck! That's completely out of line.

[Harlequin]

Blood is blood it can be tested. there are people who need blood so why block a few people if that blood can save lives?

[Kuervo]

ugh who the heck are the stupid ppl who make rules like, gays canot donate blood. wut the f, like some ppl said. gays are ppl like everyone else. thts pretty much discriminating against gays. so yes gays shud be aloowed to donate blood. unless if they have an atd or disease that can be passed down to someone else then i guess not.

[Death]

Blood is blood it can be tested. there are people who need blood so why block a few people if that blood can save lives?

I thought you were a homophobe. (http://www.virtualteen.org/forums/showpost.php?p=1303741&postcount=4)

[Genghis Khan]

I thought you were a homophobe. (http://www.virtualteen.org/forums/showpost.php?p=1303741&postcount=4)

He's not a homophobe. He just had little knowledge about the world's population.

[Lights]

He's not a homophobe. He just had little knowledge about the world's population.

Because saying what follows isn't homphobic at all...

The genetic pool is shrinking and you are not making it better for the rest of us. do us a favor and breed once in a while

Not to derail this topic, but did ever occur to Harlequin, or you genghiskhan, that there's a lot of overpopulation in this world, and if anything the minority of homosexuals are cutting it down somewhat? That whole post by Harlequin is just thoughtless and illogical.

[Genghis Khan]

Because saying what follows isn't homphobic at all...

Saying something homophobic/racist/sexist does not automatically make you a homophobe/racist/sexist, in this case that is not even relevant. If you read back on what he said he mentioned his only problem with homosexuals is his batshit crazy theory that they are somehow affecting the gene pool. I'm not at all in favour of his argument but I wouldn't necessarily label him a homophobe because of his lack of knowledge of the human population either.

Not to derail this topic, but did ever occur to Harlequin, or you genghiskhan, that there's a lot of overpopulation in this world, and if anything the minority of homosexuals are cutting it down somewhat? That whole post by Harlequin is just thoughtless and illogical.

Wow. Do yourself a favour and go back to that thread (http://www.virtualteen.org/forums/showthread.php?p=1304203#post1304203) so you can also read what I wrote in response to Harlequin's bone-to-pick with homosexuals.

[Lights]

Saying something homophobic/racist/sexist does not automatically make you a homophobe/racist/sexist, in this case that is not even relevant. If you read back on what he said he mentioned his only problem with homosexuals is his batshit crazy theory that they are somehow affecting the gene pool. I'm not at all in favour of his argument but I wouldn't necessarily label him a homophobe because of his lack of knowledge of the human population either.

Wow. Do yourself a favour and go back to that thread (http://www.virtualteen.org/forums/showthread.php?p=1304203#post1304203) so you can also read what I wrote in response to Harlequin's bone-to-pick with homosexuals.

It's a tough call whether to call him a homophobe or not, but that's exactly the type of comment you'd hear a homophobe saying. And despite him saying that was his only problem with people who call themselves 'gay', that doesn't mean it necessarily is.

I've now seen the response you made on that thread, however I could not see the rest of that thread from the link Death provided so I had no idea what your response was.

Sorry for the confusion.

[Genghis Khan]

Sorry for the confusion.

All is forgiven.

[Death]

I've now seen the response you made on that thread, however I could not see the rest of that thread from the link Death provided so I had no idea what your response was.

There's a link up to to see the whole thing. Or you could just click this link (http://www.virtualteen.org/forums/showthread.php?t=102808). I also believe genghiskhan posted a "good" link.

[Genghis Khan]

Gay men with no serious health related problems should be allowed to.

That is, if you acknowledge that the same goes for straight/bisexuals.

[GRGRGR]

I don't see any reason why gays shouldn't be allowed to

[Carna]

Seriously. Straight people can get HIV/AIDs via needle or not cleaning up blood properly. This law is stupid and in a way, hypocritical. Mainly because of what I just said. If a homosexual is confident that he does not have HIV/AIDs, they should be allowed to give blood. Is a straight person has done heroin/etc. or cleaned up blood improperly, they probably don't even know if they have HIV/AIDs. (Yeah i know. This post may not make sense. It's late. Im exhausted.)

[Harry Potter]

If you don't have aids, do what you want.

[Schizothemia]

The concept of homosexuals being more at risk is an archaic stereotype from the 1980's. In gay history, it wasn't the best time because men of the period weren't as careful as most of us homosexuals today. But remember, this was when there wasn't much understanding of the virus. Hell, people thought it was airborn for a while!

To date I have never had sex with a man unprotected, and the same can be said of every homosexual I know. It's something many LGBTQ resource centers promote, and most guys I've run into are not willing to have sex unless protection is used. Unfortunately I feel that because the stereotype that homosexuals are promiscuous beings who run around having unprotected sex is still being perpetuated, many feel it is okay to keep something like this around.

Did you know that there's a test available that can tell if your blood is HIV positive within two weeks of your last sexual encounter? And the longer you wait the more accurate the test.

While I understand the risk of false positives, that is a risk that is applicable to everyone and it's unfair to use a stereotype to uphold something this ridiculous.
All men have a higher risk of contracting HIV, as do black people, but heterosexual males are free to donate blood, as are black people. I mention this not because it's a "race issue" but if we're looking at statistics if these individuals are a risk why are they not limited as well? It's simply applying the same logic held to homosexuals, to other "high risk" groups.

Sometimes it hurts. I see people around me getting to donate blood and they ask me, "Did you donate blood?" And I get to respond with that ever amazing answer of "No, I'm too much of a risk." What's even more disheartening is that I'm type O Negative. I'm a universal donor, but apparently because I'm gay I'm too much of a risk. I could be helping people save lives, but this idiotic and archaic thinking is preventing me from doing so.

Sure, I could lie on the application, but that's the thing, I shouldn't have to! I should be able to donate my blood assuming I meet all of the necessary safety precautions!

[KylieEatWorld]

I thought you were a homophobe. (http://www.virtualteen.org/forums/showpost.php?p=1303741&postcount=4)

What does that have to do with him thinking it's okay for them to give blood?


Sometimes it hurts. I see people around me getting to donate blood and they ask me, "Did you donate blood?" And I get to respond with that ever amazing answer of "No, I'm too much of a risk." What's even more disheartening is that I'm type O Negative. I'm a universal donor, but apparently because I'm gay I'm too much of a risk. I could be helping people save lives, but this idiotic and archaic thinking is preventing me from doing so.

I'm O Negative as well! I completely agree with your raging. As long as everyone's blood is tested. There should be no problem.

[Death]

What does that have to do with him thinking it's okay for them to give blood?

Hmm, I don't know...

Maybe that homophobes have an irrational dislike for homosexuals and may wish to discriminate against them for no good reason?

[ChrisG]

I am bisexual, but have not had sexual contact with another male for this reason. I have O- blood which is really rare, and I love donating because I know I could be saving someone's life. I don't want to ruin that just because I had sex with a man.

[PerpetualImperfexion]

duh, either way their blood is going to be tested for aids, etc. Chances are no one will even know there gay unless they are very open. I suppose there is a chance of a false negative, so perhaps if they are open they should be tested twice. They should do this with all people though.

[Death]

I am bisexual, but have not had sexual contact with another male for this reason. I have O- blood which is really rare, and I love donating because I know I could be saving someone's life. I don't want to ruin that just because I had sex with a man.

Or you could just do it then lie about whether you've done it. It's not like you've done something that's even remotely morally wrong.