US Ban On Sexually Active Gay Males Donating Blood
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

US Ban On Sexually Active Gay Males Donating Blood

Legal and blatant discrimination against the LGBTQ community.

13
US Ban On Sexually Active Gay Males Donating Blood
rabidrepublicanblog.com

Discrimination against the LGBTQ community is in the blood. Literally.

Up until this past year, gay and bisexual men in the US had a lifetime ban on blood donation . In December 2014 the ban was lifted and new provisions were put in place so that gay and bisexual men who have not been sexually active in the past 12 months can donate. That eliminates over half of the said population. This policy, though a step in the right direction, is still ludicrous when looking at today's science. The lifetime ban was initially put in place in the 80's in response to the AIDS crisis, but since then it is known that it can take less than a week to be diagnosed with HIV/AIDS.

Some background on the HIV/AIDS: HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a disease that damages or destroys cells in the body's immune system and is transmitted by blood or bodily fluid. This eventually leads to the inability to fight off infections and certain cancers. As the virus progresses and destroys more of the body's defenses, the immune-cell count can drop into critical levels, at which the person has developed AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). Though there is not yet a cure, antiretroviral treatment is effective in suppressing the disease and most people now infected with access to medication live happy, healthy lives.

Though many countries once had bans on their gay population donating blood, the US is one of the last to change their policy. France also recently removed their's, and though they also have in place a one year ban on sexually active gay and bisexual men, their policy is more complex in that those with one partner for the past 4 months are excused. They also have planned that after the first year if studies show that the new policy has not increased health risks, the ban will continue to be lessened. The US does not have such a system in place. They have not developed a plan for the future as France has.

I propose that the ban be removed as it is undoubtably still discriminating against homosexual blood, but to appease the public health officials I would also suggest that if one wanted to donate blood under the ban, that they get tested for the disease and show paperwork proving their results. Since this can be at most a two week process, it just seems to make more sense than creating an all encompassing ban against the gay male community. Donating blood is a selfless act done in hopes of helping others, all communities should have the opportunity to contribute to that.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

Kinder Self - Eyes

You're Your Own Best Friend

23
Kinder Self - Eyes
Pexels

It's fun to see all of the selfies on social media, they are everywhere. I see pictures with pouty lips, duck lips and pucker lips. I see smokey eyes, huge fake lashes and nicely done nose jobs, boob jobs and butt lifts. Women working out in spandex, tiny tops and flip flops. I see tight abs and firm butts, manicured nails and toes, up dos and flowing hair. "Wow", I think to myself," I could apply tons of make-up, spend an hour on my hair, pose all day and not look like that. Maybe I need a longer stick!"

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Rap Songs With A Deeper Meaning

Rap is more than the F-bomb and a beat. Read what artists like Fetty, Schoolboy Q, Drake, and 2Pac can teach you.

20358
Rap artist delivers performance on stage
Photo by Chase Fade on Unsplash

On the surface, rap songs may carry a surface perception of negativity. However, exploring their lyrics reveals profound hidden depth.Despite occasional profanity, it's crucial to look beyond it. Rap transcends mere wordplay; these 25 song lyrics impart valuable life lessons, offering insights that extend beyond the conventional perception of rap music.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

21 Drinks For Your 21st Birthday

Maybe don't try them all in one day...

1467
21 Drinks For Your 21st Birthday

My 21st birthday is finally almost here. In honor of finally turning 21, I thought I'd share 21 fun drinks since it's finally legal for me to drink them.

Some of these drinks are basic, but some of them are a little more interesting. I thought they all looked pretty good and worth trying, so choose your favorites to enjoy at your big birthday bash!

Keep Reading...Show less
Politics

Ancient Roman Kings: 7 Leaders of Early Rome

The names and dates of the reigns of the first four kings, as well as the alternation of Sabin and Latin names, are more legendary than historical. The last three kings, of Etruscan origin, have an existence which seems less uncertain.

3178
inside ancient roman building
Photo by Chad Greiter on Unsplash

It is evident that all this is only a legend although archeology shows us little by little that these kings if they did not exist as the ancient history, describes them, have at least in the very Outlines were real as chief of a shepherd’s tribe. The period when kings ruled Rome could estimate at 245 years.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Love Lost

Being the girl that is falling for the boy is never easy.

3749
Love Lost
Pexels

You constantly text my phone telling me that you want to see me and hang out, even though we may not have sex we cuddle and that’s intimacy in its own. I’m tired of buying you food and being there for you like a girlfriend when you consistently tell me you aren't ready for a girlfriend. I am constantly feeling I’m getting slapped in the face because I’m doing all these things and getting nothing in return. Every day I feel myself liking you more which is just crazy because why would I even waste my time liking someone there isn’t a future with. I just want you to be honest with me and with yourself, tell me how you feel from your heart, stop just saying you aren’t ready. You are wasting time telling me you aren’t ready because while you are “getting ready” some guy somewhere else is telling me that he likes me and thinks I’m beautiful and wants to date me. I’m not asking for much, but I at least want exclusivity because you ask me for all these things but in return you give me nothing.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments