I personally would lie about it. I\'m under the impression that they test the blood before deeming it safe anyway. HIV is of course a bit different, incubation period and all, but since you\'ve of course been together for eight years you don\'t have anything to worry about. <br /> <br /> I\'m O-, I\'ve tried to donate. But they won\'t let me because I don\'t weigh enough. ;_;

Curious, but I\\\'m guessing the same goes for bisexuals/pansexuals? I\\\'m in a long-term relationship with one person and have always tested clean, but still.<br /> <br /> I ask because my blood type is AB- (universal recipient) - my blood is the most uncommon type, and can only be given to other AB- people. However, AB <i>plasma</i> is the universal plasma type, just as O- is the universal blood type. AB- plasma is always in insanely high demand because it\\\'s both universal and only occurs in about 1% of the population.<br /> <br /> Due to this, I\\\'ve been heavily encouraged to donate, and my health is finally stable enough that I can actually do it.. but my sexuality might prevent me from donating my much needed plasma. I could ask my doctor, who knows about my sexuality.. Or should I just show up at blood drive and lie, as I\\\'ve always tested squeaky clean and I\\\'ve had the same partner for the last eight years?<br /> <br /> And yes, discriminating laws are completely idiotic. Oh god I have gay blood!

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http://news.pinkpaper.com/NewsStory/6616/23/12/2011/tennessee-private-school-bans-homosexuality-.aspx<br /> <br /> I want to buy an axe and hack apart the interwebs after reading this.

I believe in the UK and Canada [maybe?] they are now allowing gays to donate blood

Have you guys never donated?<br /> <br /> They ask if you could have been exposed to STDs/AIDS, or if you've ever had anal sex with a man (at least the girls, I don't know if they use the same wording for guys). I believe they do ask males "are you a male that has sex with other males." but as long as you're 100% sure you're clean, you can just say no. I personally know multiple gay men who donate, and as long as you don't outright say "I'm gay," they won't do anything. <br /> <br /> They also ask a ton of other questions, like if you've been feeling sick, if you've had a fever, if you've taken <b>pain killers</b>. If you were in Europe during this time period, I believe if you've ever gone to Africa for anything you're banned forever, etcetc.<br /> <br /> Remember, AIDS can't be tested positive for if it hasn't been long enough. So you might have AIDS and not know it, and in effect- kill the person who gets your blood.<br /> <br /> They'll also turn you away if you've recently had unprotected sex with someone who you do not know is clean.<br /> <br /> For females they say you MUST be 5'5", but I'm 5' and I donate ;)<br /> <br /> Also, the UK did lift their ban on gay men.<br /> <br /> Now, I'm Pansexual and extremely involved in the gay community- I understand the anger and such involved with this. But please remember that anger isn't always the solution. Understanding is a big part of getting a message across. It is a fact that gay men have a higher risk, it's just how it is. I understand the anger behind you, and it upsets me to. Anyone that walks into that donation center and lies about their health or risks they've taken put lives in danger. Do I know for a fact that allowing gay men to donating will risk AIDS in blood receivers? No. Do I understand why they don't want to risk that? Yes.<br /> <br /> However, I also believe that the rule that anyone who could have possibly been infected with AIDS/HIV in the past year can't donate should be applied to everyone, and that they should allow gay men to donate. But I can understand why they don't, foolish as it may be.

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I am under the impression that they do ask.<br /> <br /> It doesn't really matter that "they can just lie", because regardless, it's still illegal. <br /> <br /> Not to mention downright disgusting that they would ban someone for stepping up and DONATING what there is a shortage of on the basis of sexual orientation.

How the F--- do they know that you'e gay though? <br /> <br /> Guys can be straight and overly flamboyant. Girls can be straight and dress like a guy. So is there anyway for someone to determine if another is gay or not?<br /> <br /> I mean, if they ask you, you don't have t say you're gay. And I highly doubt they're going "oh, you look gay, You can't donate."

... Soooo.<br /> <br /> I can't donate blood? Good. :I I've had nothing but horrible experiences haha.<br /> <br /> But seriously this is ... This is disgusting to me. Blood is blood. Screenings beforehand are safe, but just because someone is gay doesn't mean that they should be BANNED from donating blood.<br /> While those affected by HIV/AIDs are a reasonably percentage, a few metaphorical bad apples shouldn't ruin the whole batch.<br /> <br /> :T Siiigh.

That should mean I can't donate either, seeing as how, being an AEMT, I have a hugh exposure rate to communicable and bloodbourne diseases.<br /> <br /> It's a ridiculous law, and I hope someday they'll think it over and amend it, but who knows. It's already a huge fight to get gays to have the right to marry, maybe once that gets taken care of the donor thing will as well.<br /> <br /> gotta love inequality!!! =/

You JUST found out about this? :P<br>The blood-HIV thing is true, and the reason why [well this is what I think] they still won't allow it even if someone has tested clean, is because someone could be lying or forgetting about the last time they had sex.<br><br>Personally, I believe if you really want to donate blood and you don't have sex often, get checked for any diseases and donate. They don't have to know you're really gay if you come off 200% clean. :T<br><br>I hope this doesn't come off as racist, but you're right about blacks and HIV. Black males and gay males have the highest rate of AIDS.

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