Gay Men Cannot Donate Blood ... Still!

[zavyn]

Ever since I was a senior in high school, I donated blood on a regular basis. I was familiar with the questions they asked and the things that could disqualify one from donating blood. At the age of 33 I decided to follow my gay instincts, knowing that blood donation was one of the things I was going to have to give up. It was the height of the

Comments

[deafguy]

Hey... found your LJ through Ed (bfebear). I agree with your post wholeheartedly. I've always felt it was unfair for me to not be able to donate blood simply because I've had sex with a male. I'm not sure of the process of donating blood, but do they use the blood immediately, or is it kept until needed? I've always thought that if the latter was true, then everybody's blood would be kept on a shelf for at least six months, then have them tested for HIV and other diseases.

I signed the petition... it probably wouldn't do anything, but can't hurt! 243th signature.

[zavyn]

According to the Jersey Coast Red Cross, whole blood should ideally be used within five days, although it can be refrigerated up to 42 days or frozen for up to 10. All but one blood type are at fairly low levels, so my guess is that not much is left in storage for long.

[fjdbear]

Hi, yeah I saw you through Ed's LJ. Interesting post. re: the Blood? It's political. I will just add it to the long list of inequities GLBT people endure in the USA. I feel if you dont do something then you prolly shouldn't bitch. So it's good to see you are headed in that direction!

Here's a few more.

http://equalitync.org/lobbyday/

http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/campaign/fma_postcards

[zavyn]

Thanks for the links. I sent a postcard :-).

[zavyn]

Thanks, glad to be here!