my son went to give blood the other day and was told he cant as he is gay, he said he has never had unprotected sex ever. He was still told no. My hetrosexual son went soon afterwoods and was able to give blood although he has had unprotected sex. Seems so wrong as my gay son is an extremly rare blood group and could help to save someones life.
2007-03-02 17:44:17 · 16 answers · asked by Leah 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender
Two questions for you:
1} Where are you living, that a person's sexual tendencies dictate whether they can give blood or not?
2} How did they know he was gay? Does he have "I'm gay" tattooed on his forehead or something?
If you're here in America, sue them for everything you can. I don't care if it's the frickin' Red Cross, they have no right to turn away anyone's blood. Not when they need it to save other people's lives.
And as for those who said it's because gays have a higher potential for STD's. Not only is that false info, but they test all the blood that they get.
There's ALWAYS the chance that someone giving blood doesn't know that they have diseased blood. If they give a patient diseased blood, it can be traced back to the company that withdrew the blood. They, not the person that gave the blood in the first place, will lose their @$$ in court, for not testing the purity of the blood.
2007-03-02 18:34:36 · answer #1 · answered by Lex-kat 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Dag, this life can be terribly, awfully, cruel. I'm sure that much of it has to do with the (unfounded) stigma surrounding gays and HIV/AIDS (which are not the same thing).
You can't change people. Or their ignorances. And neither can your son. And that's unfortunate.
But, if you'd like perspective, visit "www.virusmyth.org" and educate yourself.
Other than that, move to a more tolerant community (generally this means moving as close to urban culture as you can). The more rural you get, unfortunately, the less open-minded regarding sexual orientation.
On a separate note, you sound like an unusually accepting and loving parent. I commend you so far as your concern for your sons and those they could potentially help. It is persons like you that help motivate the world towards general tolerance.
In regards to your son being of a rare blood typing -- I hope instances like this will help educate the world as to the invaluable nature of GLBT persons.
I thank you.
2007-03-03 02:07:52 · answer #2 · answered by rougelatete 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It is absolutely crazy I have given blood regularly for over 18 years now and I know why they discriminate against gay men, but for the most part gay men can be alot more honest and responsible about their sex lives than some hetrosexual men. I think it is shocking, expecially as the 'system' is crying out for donors. Something needs to be done about it and quick.
2007-03-03 02:32:36 · answer #3 · answered by waggy 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
In 1985, the FDA banned any man who has had sex with another man since 1977 from giving blood. Their argument at that time was that men who have sex with other men are at a higher risk for contracting and transmitting HIV and hepatitis.
(Makes about as much sense as refusing to hire a young African American male because he's disproportionately likely to be arrested.)
Even though quality-control procedures have improved significantly since the ban was instituted, it remains in effect in the US. However, other countries such as France, Russia, and South Africa have recently lifted the blanket ban on blood donations from gay and bisexual men.
2007-03-03 02:13:46 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
maybe the people above don't have the same rules and regulations in their country as you or i do and in Australia that is just the way it is. I personally think it is disgusting to have such a judgmental and ignorant way of thinking. I would get onto the currant affairs about that one! Your son should be proud that he tried to do a good thing for humanity and it is such a shame the rest of the world cant wake up to the 21st century and just accept people for who they are and not who they have intercourse just tell your son his family loves him and just because the rest of the world doesn't accept his way of life then that is their loss
2007-03-03 02:03:33 · answer #5 · answered by Kenny K 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What a ridiculous screening process. Anyone can be HIV+ and anyone can lie about their sexual orientation and sexual behavior and drug use. They test all donated blood. That's like them saying "are you HIV positive?" and the person says "no" and they say "OK, this is good to go". How stupid.
2007-03-03 03:41:43 · answer #6 · answered by DawnDavenport 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Whether one likes it or not, HIV virus & AIDS spread by homosexual sex. So even if there is an iota of doubt (Your homosexual son may say he's NEVER had unprotected sex, but how can you force someone else to believe that?), it is wise to reject his offer. It may protect the lives of countless others who receive blood transfusion; if he insisted to donate blood and something went wrong later, what's the use of profuse apologies later??
Can you prevent the incurable disease in some poor soul, after all the profuse apologies of your dear homosexual son ??
2007-03-03 02:11:03 · answer #7 · answered by thegentle Indian 7 · 0⤊ 6⤋
LOL! MARCELO! i looooooooove your leolo reference! hehe
anyway,
how would they know if they're hetero or not? ive had gay friends at my high school give blood before. i know of two.
2007-03-03 01:59:58 · answer #8 · answered by louie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probability of HIV is much higher.
Incubation period can be longer than 5 years.
2007-03-03 01:47:45 · answer #9 · answered by dondutkowski 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I never heard for such a thing! But, if this is true, than we should all fight against it !
2007-03-03 02:32:03 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋