Comment

Comment by Dallas the Phallus on September 8, 2011 at 9:12am

It is pure discrimination / stigmatization. Donated blood is tested for HIV anyhow before it goes into the system. To suggest that a gay man is more likely to have HIV than anyone else is just ridiculous. It implies that gay men can't control their sexuality or take steps to protect their health, and that straight people always do.

Comment by Marx on September 8, 2011 at 9:04am

Yes, all blood is tested and yes, heteros are as likely to transmit HIV through a blood donation as anyone else, if they are infected. There is no rational or scientific rationale for the ban.  It is blatant discrimination based on fear.  It makes my blood boil - so to speak.

Comment by Richard Healy on September 8, 2011 at 6:29am

Before I came out, a local meetup group organised a blood drive/pizza event.

I'd have loved to go do something positive and social like that but didn't go in the end since I didn't need the hassle or the confrontation with my still closeted sexuality -  'why aren't you donating Richard?'

It's probably the first time in memory I can recall feeling directly discriminated against for my sexuality.  You can't give blood becuase you had sex with a man once (or indeed several times).

It was a very nasty feeling to know my blood was unwanted in-spite of not bearing any disease at all.

Comment by Grace Fitzpatrick on September 8, 2011 at 6:28am

That's too bad.  I'm sure the person whose life your blood saved would not give a dam*.  I can't believe they turn away perfectly good blood donors for such a stupid reason.  Don't they screen all the blood anyway?  Being hetro doesn't make a person aids proof.

Comment by Marx on September 8, 2011 at 6:18am

Unfortunately, it will probably take a lot longer to get this policy changed in the USA. I was a regular blood donor for many years before the ban was put in place. I am a universal donor (O+), so my blood would be in great demand if the policy were based on science instead of prejudice and fear. Since I have been tested repeatedly throughout my life for HIV and I know I am no longer at risk, I have thought about donating in spite of the ban, but they have now made it a felony to falsify information on the donor questionnaire. As much as I would love to donate again, and as strongly as I feel about this issue, I am not willing to risk going to prison.

Comment by Richard Healy on September 8, 2011 at 1:12am

A good news story:

Gay blood ban likely to be lifted (UK)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-14824310

Comment by annet on September 7, 2011 at 11:11pm

That is the blue dot Mike, thanks for noticing. 

No shrimp, no figs, no poly blends, talk about dogma!  

Comment by Sentient Biped on September 6, 2011 at 10:27pm

AnneT, I love those pics.  Especially the "fuck this guy" pic. 

 

There used to be a "GodHatesFigs" website but I think it died for lack of interest.  Still there is this.  They used to discuss this on the fig forum.

 

 

Comment by annet on September 6, 2011 at 4:51pm

:)  

I also love the Dr. Laura letter. They even paid the author for using it on a west wing episode!  

 

http://www.godhatesshrimp.com/

Okay back to work...

Comment by Marx on September 6, 2011 at 2:50pm

Thanks, AnneT.  Those are great.

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