A friend of mine needed a blood transplant last night and because of her blood type it was very unlikely that she would get the transplant. I happen to be the same blood type as she is but when I offered to donate blood they told me that I couldn't because I am gay.
Why can't homosexuals who have tested negative for sexually transmitted infections and diseases donate blood?
2007-11-16 05:14:04 · 15 answers · asked by Mr. Nobody 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender
No my friend didn't die. My twin drove almost 2 hours to donate blood though. She is in ICU now.
2007-11-16 05:20:48 · update #1
I tested NEGATIVE. And they would know because my town has less than 1500 people and everyone knows one another ... since everyone has seen me and my boyfriend together everyone knows
2007-11-16 05:22:46 · update #2
Hi! I'm a nurse and as far as I understand it's because homosexual sex (that is between men) is one of, if not the highest risk type of sexual intercourse. In other words, this type of sex is associated with a much higher rate of transmission of STI's including HIV. The ban on homosexual blood donors was originally instituted by the Blood Product Advisory Committee, because in the early '80's (during the AIDS crisis) several studies found higher rates of HIV among men who have sex with men. Because of this, HIV came to be thought of as a "gay disease". Thus, even though you may have tested negative for STI's and HIV, men who have sex with men are considered a "high risk" population, thereby excluding them from blood donation. In addition, when this ban was instituted, the blood tests for HIV were not as sophisticated as they now are, meaning they yielded a lot of false negatives. As a result, men who have had or are having sex with men have been banned from donating blood.
That said, many people feel this ban is discriminatory and unjustified. It has been argued that the rates of HIV among men who have sex with men are now comparable to those among heterosexuals (although there are some recent studies that would dispute this). Furthermore, blood testing technology has substantially improved and is now much more sensitive. So, the ban is perhaps a little outdated, but that's (as far as I know) why it originally came to be. Hope that helps!
As a side note, that was very kind of you to offer to donate blood, and I'm sorry that you were not able to help your friend in this way.
2007-11-16 05:57:24 · answer #1 · answered by Carla P 1 · 7⤊ 2⤋
Homosexuals Giving Blood
2017-01-15 08:53:00 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am sorry about your friend but by looking at the comments posted on here it is sad that more people are not educated on the facts, I would rather get blood from a gay person that has been tested or knows that he or she does not have an std than a heterosexual who does not know, this misguided idea that gays carry std's is disturbing. There is no question why the spread of HIV and STD's is spreading faster in non gays. The unfortunate stand that this government has taken in regards to abstinence verses protection and education is the main reason next to homophobia itself.
Like so many issues the GLBT community faces this is one that can be resolved if young gay men and women and their allies work together for the betterment off all. Unfortunately today's younger GLBT's are just riding on the waves that were created by the older and passing activist who have made life a little easier for the younger glbt.
Don't just ask do!, or you may see a trend back to a return to your closets.
2007-11-16 05:44:47 · answer #3 · answered by cbb 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
It goes back to the biggotry that society has. Its not all homosexuals, just homosexual males. Lesbians are allowed to donate. They believe that gay men have higher incidences of HIV and STD's which for the most part is rediculous! We no longer consider HIV the 'gay plague' but they still have yet to stop discriminating against homosexual males. If you are interested, and you have facebook, there is a group called 'gay men should have the right to donate blood' and the guy that runs it is trying to get the government to change this law...because good blood is good blood
2007-11-16 05:28:02 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 3⤋
Must be some law that states it. Possibly a throwback during the 80's AIDS epidemic when gays were labeled as the exclusive carriers. I probably can't donate blood because my plasma may be so full of chemicals it has to be filtered thoroughly.
2007-11-16 05:19:13 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 1⤋
I am honestly not certain why Homosexuals can't or why I can't either for that matter -- although I'm a Lesbian. I have two systemic infections (Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic Lupus) neither which can be transmitted through blood transfusions yet they won't allow me to give blood either. They did assure me that my status as a lesbian had nothing to do with it as I was not a Homosexual. It was quite confusing..... and very irritating.
2007-11-16 05:24:07 · answer #6 · answered by Mama Otter 7 · 7⤊ 3⤋
There is no reason. Certainly to law though there should be some investigation into that. Did you tell someone you were gay? You did not walk into the hospital carrying a sign...
There are times when one's prefrences for partners should be left unsaid.
It is rather unfortunate that your friend should suffer because of bias, bigotry and unfounded speculation... and for talking out of turn.
You should check the law and then, if you are really determined, follow through. Helping your friend is a noble thing to do. Remeber always, Discretion is the better part of valor.
2007-11-16 05:24:40 · answer #7 · answered by organbuilder272 5 · 4⤊ 2⤋
homosexuals donate blood
2016-02-03 04:53:58 · answer #8 · answered by Andromache 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree. That's ridiculous. They don't ask heteros whether they have multiple partners or wear condoms. I'm glad to hear that your twin was able to help.
2007-11-16 05:29:14 · answer #9 · answered by justme 6 · 5⤊ 3⤋
I don't know--I never knew that. It sounds very wrong though.
2007-11-16 05:17:29 · answer #10 · answered by ANGEL 5 · 8⤊ 0⤋