FDA Reiterates Ban On Gay Men Donating Blood, Despite Red Cross Objections
FDA Reiterates Ban On Gay Men Donating Blood, Despite Red Cross Objections
Gay men are still banned for life from giving blood, “leaving in place — for now — a 1983 prohibition meant to prevent the spread of HIV through transfusions.” The Food and Drug Administration’s ban prevents an estimated 62,300 gay and bisexual men per year from donating blood, despite the Red Cross calling the policy “medically and scientifically unwarranted.”
On its website, the FDA attempts to justify the 24-year-old rule by arguing that current HIV testing cannot always pick up right away when someone is HIV positive:
The ‘window period’ exists very early after infection, where even current HIV testing methods cannot detect all infections. During this time, a person is infected with HIV, but may not have made enough virus or developed enough antibodies to be detected by available tests. For this reason, a person could test negative, even when they are actually HIV positive and infectious.
Therefore FDA would change this policy only if supported by scientific data showing that a change in policy would not present a significant and preventable risk to blood recipients.
Yet last year, the Red Cross, the international blood association AABB, and America’s Blood Centers all called on the FDA to reverse the ban. They explained that such “window period” risks have been negated by modern blood tests, which “can detect HIV-positive donors within just 10 to 21 days of infection.” To ensure such risks were minimized further, their proposal included a “one-year deferral following male-to-male sexual contact.”
In many parts of the country, blood supplies are critically short. More information about donating blood is available HERE.
Topic Cloud
ArchivesBlog Roll
Wouldn’t any “window period” be applicable to everyone?
AIDS is not a “gay disease,” surely the FDA must realize that.
May 23rd, 2007 at 9:45 pmSad, but important.
NYC adds post 9-11 illness deaths to victims toll
May 23rd, 2007 at 9:47 pmThese people don’t get it. But then again if it was someone that they knew who needs a or marrow transplant, then I will bet they will change their tune in a heartbeat.
May 23rd, 2007 at 9:54 pmRight. Smart rule. You never know what you might pick up from a Mark Foley or Ted Haggard…
May 23rd, 2007 at 10:00 pmNice to see institutionalized discrimination alive and well. :::sigh:::
I can’t think of anything more foul than forcing someone to lie in order to perform a good deed.
May 23rd, 2007 at 10:08 pmI am a recovering “junkie”, clean for 24 years but an IV drug-user prior to my clean time. I, too, am permanentlly ban from donating blood to the Red Cross for this past behavior. Nothing discriminating, just good sense.
May 23rd, 2007 at 10:09 pmThere are consequence to behavior. I can live with that.
Matt,
Everyone has sex, hetro or homo, but not everyone uses drugs IV style. So why doesn’t the FDA ban anyone that has sex from giving blood.
May 23rd, 2007 at 10:18 pm“I can’t think of anything more foul than forcing someone to lie in order to perform a good deed.” Comment by Taylor
Dear Taylor – Unfortunately, unprotected sex is a growing phenomena (once again) in the homosexual community. The Red Cross would be idiots to lift the ban. I can’t think of anything more foul than possibly exposing people to a deadly disease in the name of wanting to “perform a good deed”. You want to perform a good deed? Go read to a shut-in or help deliver meals for Mama’s Kitchen…..
May 23rd, 2007 at 10:19 pmMatt,
To equate gay people to a drug user is really not a good comparison. You are making who and what I am out to be something destructive, which it is not.
To exclude me from donating blood because I have sex with other men does not make anymore sense then to exclude heterosexual couples who have sex.
May 23rd, 2007 at 10:22 pmI donated for years in the UK but when I moved back permanently to the US I was told that because I spent more than 3 months in the UK during a period of the 80s and 90s. I am prohibited for life from donating here. It has to do with the Uk outbreak of mad cow disease. I am pleased to say I don’t have nor have ever had contact or been related to anyone that had the human version. I don’t know that there has been many cases at all, but still I am excluded.
I thought this was a bit over the top, but in the discussion the medic told me that a lot of troops having served overseas where removed from the register for the same reason.
Of course this is just hearsay from where I am standing but my point is that restrictions apply that sometimes seem too restrictive.
I guess its a case of better safe than sorry, but I do agree, HIV is not just a homosexual disease, so on face value it seems more a moral than a medical ruling.
May 23rd, 2007 at 10:22 pmrepublicfm – Actually, this is a “puzzle piece” issue. Female vaginas are designed for penile penetration – the anus is not. Since most AIDS transmission in this country takes place because of homosexual intersourse and IV drug users sharing needles, please don’t attempt to donate blood.
May 23rd, 2007 at 10:34 pmWouldn’t any “window period†be applicable to everyone?
AIDS is not a “gay disease,†surely the FDA must realize that.
Comment by Zooey
Oh, Zooey, you so funny. This FDA is probably trying to figure out how to screen liberals from donating blood. Or atheists.
May 23rd, 2007 at 10:37 pmOh, Zooey, you so funny. This FDA is probably trying to figure out how to screen liberals from donating blood. Or atheists.
Comment by gummitch
Atheist blood — super powerful stuff, man. :D
May 23rd, 2007 at 10:44 pmthat’s ridiculous. according the fda, nobody should be donating blood then.
May 23rd, 2007 at 10:47 pmthe fda’s been doing a great job of late. maybe they’ll start importing cheap blood from china, no questions asked.
May 23rd, 2007 at 10:49 pmThe FDA claim is disingenuous, at best. The “window period” is a CDC guideline for when a person has been infected with HIV to test positive for HIV, which is ususally 3 to 6 months. The general population will show HIV antibodies within 3 months of being infected-a very small percentage of the population will not have detectable antibodies as late as six months after possible exposure. After 6 months, if there is no risk activity throughout the window period, then a person would (should) test HIV negative.
The FDA is fostering fear towards the “gays†with this policy-it is utterly despicable-yet, not surprising.
May 23rd, 2007 at 10:58 pmI just want to point out…
It’s AABB (Formerly ‘American Association of Blood Banks’), not ABBA.
One letter, but a big difference!
May 23rd, 2007 at 11:02 pmConsidering the big change in shooter’s life today, I bet he and Lynn would champion gay civil rights. I know…unfunny…not gonna happen.
May 23rd, 2007 at 11:06 pmYeah, Zach, ABBA LIKED dancing queens :)
May 23rd, 2007 at 11:06 pmSorry to burst your bubble of fantasy valiant venus, but AIDS is rampant in heterosexual population of Africa and female prostitutes spread it around. AIDS can be contracted by vaginal sex, by anal sex, and by oral sex too.
May 23rd, 2007 at 11:06 pmDoes one have to give a life’s history upon giving blood?
Does one have to explain every sexual encounter?
They test the blood for HIV antibodies, as well as hepatitis, BTW, which will show up way before a person has any symptoms.
(The human body is funny that way…)
This is pure discrimination.
May 23rd, 2007 at 11:13 pmMatt:
Keep it up. I respect your effort. I have seen both recovery and relapse. You are the man!!! Sorry this thread is not dedicated to those like you who have done something so hard that so many do not really understand. My brother has been clean 17 years but still finds each day a challenge. I agree with others that your situation and the HIV positives is not really the same but want to acknowledge the strength needed to deal with the problem you were confronted with.
all respect!
May 23rd, 2007 at 11:18 pmSorry to burst your bubble of fantasy valiant venus, but AIDS is rampant in Africa’s heterosexual population. Female prostitutes spread it around, so it is not just a Gay affliction.
May 23rd, 2007 at 11:19 pmYeah, Zach, ABBA LIKED dancing queens :)
Comment by JPark
Hee-hee! Cracked me up.
May 23rd, 2007 at 11:19 pmrepublicfm – Actually, this is a “puzzle piece†issue. Female vaginas are designed for penile penetration – the anus is not. Since most AIDS transmission in this country takes place because of homosexual intersourse and IV drug users sharing needles, please don’t attempt to donate blood.
Comment by valiant venus — May 23, 2007 @ 10:34 pm
Valiant Venus, are heterosexual couples who have anal sex barred from giving blood?
May 23rd, 2007 at 11:20 pmwe still listen to vv?
She’s so repulsive.
May 23rd, 2007 at 11:21 pmUGH!
Does one have to give a life’s history upon giving blood?
Does one have to explain every sexual encounter?
Comment by trueblue
Red Cross has a series of questions, including questions about whether you’ve spent time in the UK (eating all that contaminated beef), whether you’ve paid for sex, and whether (if you’re a man) you’ve had sex with another man. In other words, they have their own level of screening.
The questionnaire is apparently designed to identify donors at a higher level of risk but not to outright deny the opportunity to donate.
May 23rd, 2007 at 11:22 pmAtheist blood — super powerful stuff, man. :D
Comment by Zooey
It’s like something out of Buffy, but I think those vampires would have a preference for fundamentalist blood. Mmmmmm, evangelist blood.
May 23rd, 2007 at 11:24 pmAlthough this FDA position may seem somewhat draconian, I think you also have to consider that the Red Cross is involved. This is the same group that fought against original HIV antibody testing. They have also had some other very questionable practices including taking donations for September 11 and much of the donations not being given to survivors or family members of victims. If the Red Cross had used a small portion of the hundreds of millions of dollars for treatment of the survivors, Michael Moore may have had trouble making Sicko.
May 23rd, 2007 at 11:26 pmBefore anybody misunderstands me, I think blood donation is very important (I have given over three gallons), but I will not donate to the Red Cross.
It’s like something out of Buffy, but I think those vampires would have a preference for fundamentalist blood. Mmmmmm, evangelist blood.
Comment by gummitch
Evangelist blood makes you turn into a dancing queen. :D
May 23rd, 2007 at 11:28 pmLess than Valient:
Are you and I contempories of the Reagan years in which blaming homosexuality was the answer to the arrival and snowballing of the HIV crisis? I didn’t buy into that poor excuse for lack of inaction. Did you? You probaly oppose clean needles too. Rather those you despise suffer than an epidemic halted. Most transmission globally has little to do with either. Check out infection stats for most of Africa.
Never mind, for you it is probably because they are African
May 23rd, 2007 at 11:30 pmBoiling is always the safest way to prepare missionaries.
May 23rd, 2007 at 11:38 pmI’ve heard that the Red Cross charges hospitals to use their donated blood – (heard about it from a worker @ Children’s Hospital in Boston, MA)- –
so I would only donate directly to the hospital or institution.
Plus, I know they do all kinds of testing. Those questions are unnecessary. They test anyway.
May 23rd, 2007 at 11:39 pmIt’s an intrusion on people’s privacy , as far as I’m concerned.
“AIDS is not a “gay disease,†surely the FDA must realize that.
Comment by Zooey — May 23, 2007″
Really zooey? What disease is it?
May 23rd, 2007 at 11:40 pmthat was in answer to eric the blue,…. sorry!
May 23rd, 2007 at 11:42 pm#31 – trueblue
I never understood why all the questions and then the testing? Just test! People lie!
May 23rd, 2007 at 11:43 pmmichael – -
May 23rd, 2007 at 11:44 pmSCREW!
Really zooey? What disease is it?
Comment by michael
Use “the Google,” michael. I’m sure you can work it out for yourself.
May 23rd, 2007 at 11:45 pm” So why doesn’t the FDA ban anyone that has sex from giving blood.
Comment by Kiacyclic — May 23, 2007″
Because most people who have sex don’t practice reckless behavior that drug abusers and some homosexuals do. Can’t believe you had to ask that question!
May 23rd, 2007 at 11:45 pmWhat, michael – did you interview them all?
That’s b*llsh*t.
More reckless sexual behavior happens in the HETERO community.
Piss off.
May 23rd, 2007 at 11:48 pmBecause most people who have sex don’t practice reckless behavior that drug abusers and some homosexuals do. Can’t believe you had to ask that question!
Comment by michael
Really? How do you know that, michael?
May 23rd, 2007 at 11:49 pmWierd how you target Zooey – late at night – - –
hmmmmm……………
Just using some deductive reasoning –
Uh -Oh. You are NOT being truthful. I think you have something else in mind….and the Red Cross would NOT approve.
May 23rd, 2007 at 11:51 pmSlimeball.
“Use “the Google,†michael. I’m sure you can work it out for yourself.
Comment by Zooey — May 23, 2007″
There you go again, you little 3rd grader! I asked you a question and you didn’t have the answer, so you told me to google it! Most intelligent people will see what an amateur you are. Have a great night? And by the way, you will probably learn a lot more by getting back in your bedroom to read your history books than you will learn from these dopey liberals here!
May 23rd, 2007 at 11:52 pmAnd I can’t believe you find your answer to be credible, michael.
And oh wait, the same applies to a myriad of other users on TP. Hate to be in your shoes. You make Rush Limburger and Satan so very proud.
Because most people who have sex don’t practice reckless behavior my @$$…I haven’t smelt a flatulence that reeked as much as that statement.
May 23rd, 2007 at 11:54 pm“More reckless sexual behavior happens in the HETERO community.
Piss off.
Comment by trueblue — May 23, 2007″
Never said it didn’t! But for some reason homosexuals and drug users in this country get aids more than any other groups! You disagree?
May 23rd, 2007 at 11:55 pm#29 – The lack of inaction regarding the AIDS epidemic can be traced, not to Ronald Reagan, but to the gay community who were up in arms over the possible closing of gay “bath houses” in the Castro district of San Francisco. So many of our gay friends did not want to give up riding bareback…..or anonymous sex with people they didn’t know.
The questionnaire given by the San Diego Blood Bank ask about a wide variety of medical conditions (weight, pregnancy, cancer, oral surgery, kidney problems, liver disease, heart disease, transplants) in addition to jail time, tatoos, etc.
When you leave, please remove the mantle of victimhood along with the cinder block sized chip on your shoulders. Thank you.
May 23rd, 2007 at 11:57 pm#41 – michael
You are the most stupid troll ever! This is a thread about blood donations and AIDS. I wrote a comment about AIDS. And you, Idiot Troll of the Century, ask me –
Really zooey? What disease is it?
Comment by michael
F*cking DUH!
May 23rd, 2007 at 11:57 pmmichael, it’s funny, but anything you type, I just want to squeeze the zits on your prickly face, you prickly usar of da internetz. and no, most people would call Zooey an amateur. I’d call her, eh, a regular contributor to new ideas on this forum, much more than you could say, Mr. Mike DeWhhhhhhine.
May 23rd, 2007 at 11:57 pmWierd how you target Zooey – late at night – - –
hmmmmm……………
Just using some deductive reasoning –
Uh -Oh. You are NOT being truthful. I think you have something else in mind….and the Red Cross would NOT approve.
Slimeball.
Comment by trueblue
AND then you ask her to go to her bedroom – -
You are not right in the cranium, michael.(I hesitate to use the word head, because knowing you, you’ll get all excited again…)
LEAVE Zooey ALONE
May 23rd, 2007 at 11:57 pmNever said it didn’t! But for some reason homosexuals and drug users in this country get aids more than any other groups! You disagree?
Comment by michael
The group acquiring AIDS at the highest rate right now is African American women.
May 23rd, 2007 at 11:58 pm“Really? How do you know that, michael?
Comment by Zooey — May 23, 2007″
Well, when’s the last time you were in a lesbian or gay bathhouse? Try googling gay bathhouse in the USA and see how many there are! Then google heterosexual bathhouses and compare how many you find. Wake up!
May 23rd, 2007 at 11:58 pmI agree and disagree with you michael? Why? It makes no difference.
May 23rd, 2007 at 11:58 pm“LEAVE Zooey ALONE
Comment by trueblue — May 23, 2007″
No.
May 23rd, 2007 at 11:59 pmTrueblue – I don’t doubt more reckless sexual behaviour takes place in the hetero community – thanks to liberated “morality”. I do strongly doubt that as much anal intercourse occurs in the straight community as in the homosexual community…..
May 24th, 2007 at 12:00 am“I’d call her, eh, a regular contributor to new ideas on this forum.
Comment by Barbarian — May 23, 2007″
Name one?
May 24th, 2007 at 12:01 am#29 – The lack of inaction regarding the AIDS epidemic can be traced, not to Ronald Reagan, but to the gay community who were up in arms over the possible closing of gay “bath houses†in the Castro district of San Francisco. So many of our gay friends did not want to give up riding bareback…..or anonymous sex with people they didn’t know.
Comment by valiant venus
That is pure, unadulterated bullshit, MA. The gay community took action long before the Reagan administration did anything. Liar. Nothing new for you, of course.
May 24th, 2007 at 12:01 am“The group acquiring AIDS at the highest rate right now is African American women.
Comment by Zooey — May 23, 2007″
In Africa! Dope!
May 24th, 2007 at 12:02 am“I agree and disagree with you michael? Why? It makes no difference.
Comment by Barbarian — May 23, 2007″
Somewhat agree, just don’t expect me to contribute to finding a cure for aids in Africa!
May 24th, 2007 at 12:05 amWell, when’s the last time you were in a lesbian or gay bathhouse? Try googling gay bathhouse in the USA and see how many there are! Then google heterosexual bathhouses and compare how many you find. Wake up!
Comment by michael
You first, michael. Tell us all about your gay bathhouse experiences — leave nothing out!
“Heterosexual” bathhouses are called spas or suanas. Get real, dork.
May 24th, 2007 at 12:05 amIn Africa! Dope!
Comment by michael
No, African American women — in the US. Idiot!
May 24th, 2007 at 12:06 amWOW!
michael just admitted that he stalks Zooey.
Just admitted it – by his answer to my post.
You are a stalker and if TP had any balls they would give your IP address over to the authorities so that they can arrest your perverted ass!
TP!
DO SOMETHING!
PERVERTED POSTER!
May 24th, 2007 at 12:06 amSTALKING ZOOEY!!!
“That is pure, unadulterated bullshit
Comment by Zooey — May 24, 2007″
Really zooey? You have something to back that up?
May 24th, 2007 at 12:07 amTrue, I don’t get it either. He thinks she is weak…yet she destroys him every time. Either he doesn’t get it or he likes it. Being a Republican stooly I would not be surprised if he likes getting whipped.
May 24th, 2007 at 12:08 am“No, African American women — in the US. Idiot!
Comment by Zooey — May 24, 2007″
And that is BS and I’m sure we won’t hear from you again tonight on this topic? I’m watching you zooey and I’m going to challenge every idiotic thing you print! Ball’s in you court!
May 24th, 2007 at 12:09 am“You first, michael. Tell us all about your gay bathhouse experiences — leave nothing out!
“Heterosexual†bathhouses are called spas or suanas. Get real, dork.
Comment by Zooey — May 24, 2007″
See? You dumb liberals just don’t get it! You make stupid comments, I challenge you and you make dumber comments in response! THANKS! I couldn’t script it better!
May 24th, 2007 at 12:12 am“He thinks she is weak…yet she destroys him every time.
Comment by JPark — May 24, 2007″
Ha, ha, ha! Give us ONE example?
May 24th, 2007 at 12:13 amAnd that is BS and I’m sure we won’t hear from you again tonight on this topic? I’m watching you zooey and I’m going to challenge every idiotic thing you print! Ball’s in you court!
Comment by michael
Are you sending me to my room?
Actually michael, your balls are in your body cavity. That’s why your voice is so high.
May 24th, 2007 at 12:14 amSee? You dumb liberals just don’t get it! You make stupid comments, I challenge you and you make dumber comments in response! THANKS! I couldn’t script it better!
Comment by michael
You’re right, michael, you can do anything better than a snail’s slime trail.
May 24th, 2007 at 12:16 amMikey, how about every time you open your mouth?
May 24th, 2007 at 12:16 am@Zach: Thanks! Sorry for the typo!
May 24th, 2007 at 12:16 am“Actually michael, your balls are in your body cavity. That’s why your voice is so high.
Comment by Zooey — May 24, 2007″
And why is it that a person like you who is looked up to by your fellow leftists is afraid to a honest debate?
May 24th, 2007 at 12:17 amMichael:
May 24th, 2007 at 12:18 amDo as you see fit but I have to be honest here. She is eating you up.
“#
Mikey, how about every time you open your mouth?
Comment by JPark — May 24, 2007″
Example, child?
May 24th, 2007 at 12:18 am“michael—-
pick on someone else. someone your own size. I’m figuring a slug’s dick would be about right…
Comment by trueblue — May 24, 2007″
Go to bed! You’re too stupid to debate me.
May 24th, 2007 at 12:19 amI see that psycho michael is back spewing his hate-filled ignorant comments.
May 24th, 2007 at 12:20 amAnd why is it that a person like you who is looked up to by your fellow leftists is afraid to a honest debate?
Comment by michael
You force me to embarrass you once again, michael. It’s been at least three months since my debate challange to you:
Topic: Michael is a complete and utter moron.
Michael is to argue in favor of this topic.
Get started.
May 24th, 2007 at 12:21 amAs a gay man, I cannot donate blood. At first, I thought this was discriminatory, then it occurred to me: there is no way the Red Cross can guarantee that my blood won’t be used to help save a Republican.
May 24th, 2007 at 12:22 amHow about you cough up a recent example that AIDS is still spreading predomiantly thru’ gay individuals.
You throw bullshit out without backing it up.
Back it up, troll.
May 24th, 2007 at 12:22 amtrue, JPark & dbadass — It’s like shooting fish in a barrel. Heh.
May 24th, 2007 at 12:22 amGo to bed! You’re too stupid to debate me.
Comment by michael
Start the debate michael — she’ll slaughter you.
May 24th, 2007 at 12:23 am#71 – Theropod
Brilliant!
May 24th, 2007 at 12:24 amMikey, the adults are talking here. You might want to head to bed.
May 24th, 2007 at 12:24 ammichael,
a simple google came up with this:
Since the beginning of the epidemic, the number of heterosexual infections has increased dramatically. According to CDC estimates, heterosexual contact led to about one third of new AIDS diagnoses and one third of new HIV diagnoses in 2005.
Around 19% of all adults and adolescents diagnosed with AIDS have been female. Among new AIDS diagnoses in 2005, this proportion was 27%.
May 24th, 2007 at 12:26 am“Do as you see fit but I have to be honest here. She is eating you up.
Comment by dbadass — May 24, 2007″
And of course you can provide an example or two? zooey, he/she may need help!
May 24th, 2007 at 12:27 am“Go to bed?”
I guess michael knows I usually leave TP before now – -hmmmm…
I bet not a whole bunch of people here tonight know that…
noose is getting tighter, so to speak….
May 24th, 2007 at 12:28 am“Topic: Michael is a complete and utter moron.
Michael is to argue in favor of this topic.
Get started.
Comment by Zooey — May 24, 2007″
Are the rest of you liberal dopes containing yourselves from zooey’s childish challenge? She has done this in the past to avoid serious discussion and because of her public school education, she continues to do this!
May 24th, 2007 at 12:30 amI’m all for the challenge!
You attack her all the time with your constant BS!
Time to debate!
WOO-HOO!
May 24th, 2007 at 12:31 am“How about you cough up a recent example that AIDS is still spreading predomiantly thru’ gay individuals.
You throw bullshit out without backing it up.
Back it up, troll.
Comment by trueblue — May 24, 2007″
Never said that jerk!
May 24th, 2007 at 12:33 amExamples? Shit reread the comments. Dude you are being killed. Better to retreat and fight another day. I am trying to be nice here as I think you have some kind of weird fundamentalism going but damn you are dense!
May 24th, 2007 at 12:34 am“Start the debate michael — she’ll slaughter you.
Comment by Zooey — May 24, 2007″
GO! Either one of you!
May 24th, 2007 at 12:34 ammichael just keeps attacking Zooey
(FIXATING, more like it)
Rather than answer the simple google results showing he is WRONG WRONG WRONG WRONG WRONG WRONG WRONG WRONG!!
May 24th, 2007 at 12:34 amComment by trueblue — May 24, 2007 @ 12:26 am
He doesn’t want actual facts. You can’t put a “?” on the end of a fact. :D
May 24th, 2007 at 12:34 am“Since the beginning of the epidemic, the number of heterosexual infections has increased dramatically. According to CDC estimates, heterosexual contact led to about one third of new AIDS diagnoses and one third of new HIV diagnoses in 2005.
Around 19% of all adults and adolescents diagnosed with AIDS have been female. Among new AIDS diagnoses in 2005, this proportion was 27%.
Comment by trueblue — May 24, 2007″
Never said that the majority of the drug population was gay!
May 24th, 2007 at 12:36 amAnd of course you can provide an example or two? zooey, he/she may need help!
Comment by michael
Since he’s been accused of stalking, now michael claims not to know if I’m male or female. Hilarious!
May 24th, 2007 at 12:36 am“Time to debate!
WOO-HOO!
Comment by trueblue — May 24, 2007″
Let’s go? Who has the b@lls to start?
May 24th, 2007 at 12:37 am“Rather than answer the simple google results showing he is WRONG WRONG WRONG WRONG WRONG WRONG WRONG WRONG!!
Comment by trueblue — May 24, 2007″
Explain, or go to bed!
May 24th, 2007 at 12:38 ambecause of her public school education,
Comment by michael
WOW!
michael proves that the Republican public school education is not looked at in a good light.
Good For You!
The American Public School System is a total failure to our offspring!
THANK YOU MICHAEL!
I’m going to email my senator your post!
May 24th, 2007 at 12:39 amAre the rest of you liberal dopes containing yourselves from zooey’s childish challenge? She has done this in the past to avoid serious discussion and because of her public school education, she continues to do this!
Comment by michael
Well, you did say “Any topic?” Didn’t you? And in all that time, you haven’t managed any debate, on any topic, with any commenter no TP, EVER — even though you have been challenged with specific topics several times.
This is your cue to disappear…..run away!
May 24th, 2007 at 12:39 amtrueblue,
Are you going to take that shit off this nad-less wonder?
May 24th, 2007 at 12:40 am“Dude you are being killed.
Comment by dbadass — May 24, 2007″
WOW! GIVE US AN EXAMPLE! You people are too dumb to out debate me. You love to say you beat me but NEVER provide any examples. I wonder why?
May 24th, 2007 at 12:41 amWhy do you keep telling me to go to bed?
Want to think about me sleeping, thinking about our encounter?
May 24th, 2007 at 12:42 am“Since he’s been accused of stalking, now michael claims not to know if I’m male or female. Hilarious!
Comment by Zooey — May 24, 2007″
ZOOEY, BEING THIS CLOSE TO GRADUATION, i HOPE YOUR LOGIC TEACHER DOESN’T READ ANY OF YOUR POSTS!
May 24th, 2007 at 12:43 am” And in all that time, you haven’t managed any debate, on any topic, with any commenter no TP, EVER — even though you have been challenged with specific topics several times.
This is your cue to disappear…..run away!
Comment by Zooey — May 24, 2007″
WHY DID IT TAKE KERRY OVER 5 YEARS TO GET HIS HONORABLE DISCHARGE?
May 24th, 2007 at 12:45 am“AIDS is not a “gay disease,†surely the FDA must realize that.
Comment by Zooey — May 23, 2007″
Really zooey? What disease is it?
Comment by michael — May 23, 2007
†So why doesn’t the FDA ban anyone that has sex from giving blood.
Comment by Kiacyclic — May 23, 2007″
Because most people who have sex don’t practice reckless behavior that drug abusers and some homosexuals do. Can’t believe you had to ask that question!
Comment by michael —
May 24th, 2007 at 12:46 amHehe, I just came back to this thread and I see Corky is still spouting. Mikey, give it up. You are an idiot.
May 24th, 2007 at 12:47 am“Why do you keep telling me to go to bed?
Comment by trueblue — May 24, 2007″
Well, you aren’t contributing anything intelligent to this blog, so why keep you around!
May 24th, 2007 at 12:47 amFemale vaginas are designed for penile penetration – the anus is not.
Comment by valiant venus
Oh, please, tell that to … errr. Female vaginas…are any other kind?
May 24th, 2007 at 12:47 amZOOEY, BEING THIS CLOSE TO GRADUATION, i HOPE YOUR LOGIC TEACHER DOESN’T READ ANY OF YOUR POSTS!
Comment by michael
dbadass is my logic teacher, he’s very proud of me. I hope your english teacher can stop spinning in her grave soon — punctuation!
May 24th, 2007 at 12:47 amWHY DID IT TAKE KERRY OVER 5 YEARS TO GET HIS HONORABLE DISCHARGE?
Comment by michael
Am I getting to you, michael? :-)
That topic has been debunked so many times…..besides, we already have a topic.
Go ahead….
May 24th, 2007 at 12:49 am“And in all that time, you haven’t managed any debate, on any topic, with any commenter no TP, EVER
Comment by Zooey — May 24, 2007″
John Kerry!
May 24th, 2007 at 12:50 am“That topic has been debunked so many times
Comment by Zooey — May 24, 2007″
It has? Explain it to us? I’m waiting?
May 24th, 2007 at 12:51 amOh, please, tell that to … errr. Female vaginas…are any other kind?
Comment by Juan C
Wingnuts do like their farm animals….. :P
May 24th, 2007 at 12:51 amgee yes I did, dickweed. I googled facts and you haven’t responded.
Plus, nice attempt at having me post a bunch of crap….
Sorry -NOT TIRED and NOT GOING TO BED!
May 24th, 2007 at 12:52 amDamnnnnnn. Who is michael? The kid is rowdy.
May 24th, 2007 at 12:52 amIt has? Explain it to us? I’m waiting?
Comment by michael
Nope. It’s been done right here on TP at least five times. Google it.
**yawn**
May 24th, 2007 at 12:52 amFemale vaginas….
Classic, f*cking classic.
May 24th, 2007 at 12:53 amI can say that on some evenings I thoroughly enjoy coming to this blog to blow your stupidity apart. I don’t spend much time here lately because I have a vineyard to tend, but whenever I want a good laugh, I logon to listen to your liberal crap. Thanks for the entertainment!
May 24th, 2007 at 12:56 amMr. President. You would be ashamed of Mikey.
May 24th, 2007 at 12:56 amFemale vaginas….
Classic, f*cking classic.
Comment by Mr. President
That was actually quite profound, Mr P.
You must be heterosexual. :-D
May 24th, 2007 at 12:58 am“Nope. It’s been done right here on TP at least five times. Google it.
**yawn**
Comment by Zooey — May 24, 2007″
If it’s that easy , 3rd grader, give us a link! Don’t want to waste too much time making you look foolish, I don’t have to!
May 24th, 2007 at 12:58 amHmm, I am male. I am for any female hole as long as it is offered freely. I am guessing your sexual partners have not exactly been satisfied Mikey.
May 24th, 2007 at 12:58 ammichael is a dick who has not responded to anything I’ve offerd (you know, FACTS)
He just likes to try to dominate Zooey. Wierd sexual kick, I guess
May 24th, 2007 at 12:59 amUmm, Mikey, you blow, yes…you don’t, however blow any “stupidity apart”. You just show off your less than shining IQ.
May 24th, 2007 at 12:59 amtrue,
I’m outta here. My date just showed up. He loves my “michael” stories — everyone does!
Goodnight!
May 24th, 2007 at 12:59 amMr. President. You would be ashamed of Mikey.
Comment by JPark — May 24, 2007 @ 12:56 am
He seems pretty hardcore, listen to this hustle:
“It has? Explain it to us? I’m waiting?
Comment by michael — May 24, 2007 @ 12:51 am”
The boy knows what he’s doing.
May 24th, 2007 at 1:01 amMotion to move the topic to female vaginas (seems sort of redundant). As to penile penetration, I sort of think that that is what they were designed for. Sorry to interfere with Zooey’s assskicking of Michael.
Michael: Come on guy, it is only getting worse. You’re staggering from topic to topic. Punch Drunk? It is okay to be ass kicked by a woman. Actually at these point it would be better to lose on points then have her totally tk your ass.
May 24th, 2007 at 1:01 amTrue, he never does dominate Zooey though. I think he likes being dominated by Zooey. I would feel awfully dirty if I were Zoo and responded to that perv.
May 24th, 2007 at 1:04 amNight Zoo, have fun!!
May 24th, 2007 at 1:04 amHehe, yeah, he is good at asking questions without actually ever saying anything, Mr. P.
May 24th, 2007 at 1:05 amHey Zooey,
Another one?
Cool! I know the “Michael” stories are always good for a laugh, so you guys should be in hysterics tonight!
;)
May 24th, 2007 at 1:05 amI can say that on some evenings I thoroughly enjoy coming to this blog to blow your stupidity apart. I don’t spend much time here lately because I have a vineyard to tend, but whenever I want a good laugh, I logon to listen to your liberal crap. Thanks for the entertainment!
Comment by michael
Stupidity is demanding answers when they’re clear in front of your face.
And vineyards are gay. Are you gay michael? We’ll accept you here, it’s okay.
May 24th, 2007 at 1:53 amI can say that on some evenings I thoroughly enjoy coming to this blog to blow your stupidity apart. Comment by michael — May 24, 2007 @ 12:56 am
That’s what you *enjoy* doing? Then why don’t you ever do that? All you do is come here and show everyone how st*pid – *you* are!
I don’t spend much time here lately because I have a vineyard to tend, but whenever I want a good laugh, I logon to listen to your liberal crap. Thanks for the entertainment! Comment by michael — May 24, 2007 @ 12:56 am
Don’t let the INS catch you! Or worse, the vineyard owner! No doubt an *illegal* like you shouldn’t be using the homeowner’s computer? Did you steal it?
By the way, the Kerry thing was debunked two years ago. Kerry had two separate discharge’s, one from service in 72, the other from the *reserves* in 78. Both were honorable, and both were posted online on Kerry’s website in pdf. But you *swiftboater* fools were always too incompetent to *google* or *look* and see that you were being lied to! You sure are a st*pid little child – michael! No wonder you were unfit to serve in Vietnam – and that says a lot!
May 24th, 2007 at 1:54 amWell, what some people might be interested in learning is that FEMALE PROSTITUTES can donate blood if they state they’ve been “out” of the “business” for at least a year. Why is it that a woman with an absolutely proven history of promiscuous behavior gets a “clean bill of health” in relation to blood donation but a gay man who’s been in a fully monogamous relationship for 10 years is barred, even if he’s tested for HIV on a regular basis for that whole time and has consistently tested negative? The main answer: Homophobia on the part of the government.
May 24th, 2007 at 2:19 amAlso, I’d note that many straight men can LIE about their sexual history and donate, yet all donated blood is supposed to be tested anyway. Neither “michael” or “valiantvenus” want to admit that fact since it doesn’t fit into their asinine worldviews.
LYME DISEASE is a ZOONOTIC SPIROCHETE. The Infectious Disease Society of America supports the position that Borrelia, the causative organism for Lyme Disease HAS NO DNA IN IT”S VICTIM”S BLOOD> however, these same people believe this organism shows DNA in a victim’s spinal fluid. There is currently NO TESTING TO IDENTIFY this organism.
May 24th, 2007 at 6:13 amSpirochetes caused Tuskegee.
The Red Cross DOES NOT SUPPORT TESTING FOR THE NEXT TUSKEGEE either.
They play the game with the Infectious Disease Society of America about no DNA.
I HAVE BORRELIA IN MY BLOOD DNA> what does anyone reckon that means??????????????????????????????????????????????????
Should I give blood? NO overwhelmingly no but does the Red Cross care…… NOPE OVERWHELMINGLY NO
Interesting. According to Wikipedia, there isn’t that much difference in the chances of infection resulting from anal sex as opposed to vaginal sex. So why is homosexuality such an issue in the discussion of HIV-AIDS?
Do homosexuals, as Michael suggested, actually enagage in significantly riskier patterns of sexual behaviour that make them far more vulnerable to HIV infection?
I would suggest that the facts are more complicated. To place all ‘homosexuals’ into a single, homogenous group defined by a series of heavily sterotyped behavioural patterns is an error: for example, homosexuals from poorer socio-economic classes might be more inclined to engage in risky sexual behaviour due to poorer education, thereby shifting the focus away from the homosexuality and towards education in combating HIV-AIDS.
May 24th, 2007 at 8:00 amIn many parts of the country, blood supplies are critically short. More information about donating blood is available HERE.
127 comments rattling on about how 0-10% of the population can’t give blood to boost “critically low” stocks.
This post from me, here, is the first post on this page where the following phrases appear….
“i donate”
“i give blood”
“i am going to”
…from someone in the 90% of the rest of the population that actually could make a difference to “critically low” blood stocks that gay men can’t.
Someone here made a comment that if a family member of an FDA director would injured they would want gay-man-blood.
Well will you be satisfied with some political rhetoric if you need blood ? Because this isn’t the answer to the critically low stocks.
May 24th, 2007 at 8:05 am“When hospitals receive blood and blood components from the Red Cross, there is no cost associated with the blood itself, because it is freely given. However, there is a service cost assessed per unit for the collection, testing, storage, processing, and distribution services associated with the unit. In turn, most hospitals do not charge for the blood itself when billing third-party payers; instead, they typically charge only for processing and handling.”
Google is bloody amazing, ain’t it? You could also go to the Red Cross web site and learn all about various factors that go into whether or not a donor is rejected, and which or those are imposed from the outside.
May 24th, 2007 at 8:15 am129,
Excellent post… but it does make it all the more important to include the 10% or so, surely?
May 24th, 2007 at 8:28 am130:
I admit to being conflicted. I’m a volunteer with the Disaster Services branch of the Red Cross. I can’t donate blood due to a lengthy stay in England during the 80’s. (I’m a needle phobe as well-but I can get past that) There can be good reasons to treat behaviors and/or membership in a particular group as a workable proxy for a risk factor, until such time as a reliable test for the risk is available. I think that time is probably here for the gay community. So, yeah, I think the “gay” ban should be lifted. The “paying for sex”, whether straight or gay is probably more reasonable.
May 24th, 2007 at 8:37 amThe Time article says, “Before giving blood, all men are asked if they have had sex, even once, with another man since 1977. Those who say they have are permanently banned from donating.”
Does that mean that someone is keeping a list of men who answered yes that they have had sex with another man since 1977? There’s some national database?
May 24th, 2007 at 8:49 amI don’t spend much time here lately because I have a vineyard to tend,
Comment by michael
(He’s stomping out the vineyards where the grapes of wrath are stored.)
May 24th, 2007 at 8:54 amSteveW:
“What if blood collected tests positive for a disease?
If testing indicates that a unit of blood may pose a threat, it is destroyed. The donor is appropriately disqualified. The donor is then entered into the deferred donor database and prevented from giving blood. ”
Couldn’t find any similar entry for simply answering the question. If you are actually curious, you should contact your local Red Cross Chapter or Blood Services Region. Whatever the answerm they’ll be up front about it.
May 24th, 2007 at 8:59 am128:
Kilo, I give blood.
And am I sorry that I went to bed and didn’t stay up for Zooey’s asskicking of little michael, with trueblue’s help. He just never gets it.
May 24th, 2007 at 9:38 amI don’t spend much time here lately because I have a vineyard to tend,
Thanks for the entertainment!
Comment by michael — May 24, 2007 @ 12:56 am
That, and we like to play hide the purple headed salomi after midnight in michaels vineyard!
May 24th, 2007 at 9:38 amNow come back to bed michael, ya tool, and I’ll read you Godless one more time while strategically “hiding” a Hillare’h Clinton bobble head!
#126 The main answer: Homophobia on the part of the government.
Comment by JosephW — May 24, 2007 @ 2:19 am
No the answer is found in this statement:
…a gay man who’s been in a fully monogamous relationship for 10 years…
With all the queens parading their sex lives in public and the gay characters on tv making jokes about promiscuity, a lot of people have trouble believing monogamous relationships exist among gays.
May 24th, 2007 at 9:40 amGay stigma! Geez, 2007 and advanced scientific research and still discrimination against gays who are not the only ones infected with this disease.
This country sucks!
May 24th, 2007 at 9:42 amHere all I’ll help you on on this one, guest…
With all the playas parading their sex lives in public and the straight characters on tv making jokes about promiscuity, a lot of people have trouble believing monogamous relationships exist among heterosexuals.
Comment by guest — May 24, 2007 @ 9:40 am
Now I ask you this (and I apologize if it’s already been asked, as I skipped over most of the insecure michael’s ramblings)
May 24th, 2007 at 9:53 amIf in a life threatening situation where you needed blood, would you choose the gay man whose been monogomous for 10 years, practices safe sex, and has been tested and HIV free for years?
OR
Do you choose the heterosexual swinger, whose had numerous, unprotected sexual encounters, with many different partners over the last few years, including one night stands, prostitutes, and orgies?
Oh, and has not been “tested” in the last five years, but still carries a registered blood donor card.
Points to ponder, eh?
The very out-dated thinking from the FDA is comical. As we know & have known for a very long time, anyone can be infected with HIV. It’s not just for gay men anymore. The policy is pointless. A heterosexual women donating blood could also be infected with HIV and be within the “window.” So what assures us that her blood is safe for transfusions?
May 24th, 2007 at 10:04 amSince this is so late to the game, I’m confident many won’t even get to read what I have to say, but here goes any way…
I became sexually active at the age of 17 (1992). My girlfriend was on the pill, and we used a foam spermicide as well. We never used condoms. I was a regular blood donor from age 18 to 20 (1993 to 1995). In late 1995, I had my first sexual experience with a man, came out of the closet, and finally started enjoying life. The next time I went to donate blood, when the “have you had sex with a man since 1977″ question was asked, I lied. My risk was very low–until that time, only unprotected oral and protected insertive (top) anal. That was the last time I gave blood though, because I was too uncomfortable with having to lie.
Now it has been over ten years since I last donated blood. No HIV infection, no Hepatitis, no nothing. I haven’t always practiced safer sex–my former partner and I of six years stopped using condoms after a year–but still I’m totally healthy. That’s lots of blood that has never been donated because of “the ban.”
My ex-partner (referred to above) has never stopped donating blood. He lies every time, and has no fear or guilt over it, because of his belief that the rule is ignorant, discriminatory, and out of touch with reality. And as far as we know, no agency or recipient has declined to accept his blood.
So here’s my question…How many others (straight, gay, bi, what ever) do you think are out there who have lied about anything on the interview form?
How difficult is it to just say, “Nope, I’ve never been paid for sex.” (I’ve been “tipped” once, but that’s a whole other story! hehe)
Or “Nope, I’ve never had sex with a man.” Or “Nope, never used injected drugs.”
Or how about that mostly-straight swinger who inadvertantly received oral sex from a guy during an orgy with another heterosexual couple? Does he count as having had sex with a man since 1977?
Am I starting to sound ridiculous? If I sound ridiculous, that’s good, because ‘ridiculous’ is the most befitting description of this “ban.” If the blood supply from ALL donors, of ALL race, color, creed, orientation, health and socio-economic backgrounds isn’t properly and thoroughly screened for everything potentially harmful to its recipients, then we should all just accept the notion that the blood supply is fundamentally, inherently and persistently, unsafe.
May 24th, 2007 at 11:32 amMeanwhile, we’ve got soldiers in Iraq “donating” ALL their blood…for this sick government of ours.
May 24th, 2007 at 1:35 pmWhile some of the measures the FDA has taken to prevent blood born diseases from affecting us all seems dracononian. trust me, there is a much larger group of people who cannot give blood. lived in some places in europe for a year? You can’t give blood. That group of people is probably MUCH larger than the number of homosexual males being turned down.
Get over it!
May 24th, 2007 at 2:15 pm#56 – “That is pure, unadulterated bullshit, MA. The gay community took action long before the Reagan administration did anything. Liar. Nothing new for you, of course.” Comment by Zooey
****Expand your reading circle, Zoooette. Randy Shilts, a gay San Franciscan who later died of AIDS, wrote a telling book, “And the Band Played On”. *WARNING* – - Your assignment of a “gay-victim-bubble” might burst.
With your one-sided approach to information gathering, I’ve concluded that you’re not quite as brilliant as you try to convince us you are……
Tooodles…….
May 24th, 2007 at 2:59 pm“Valiantvenus”, LOL i only just got that! Did MA finally get banned?
May 24th, 2007 at 3:06 pmPrince – I just love a prince who values “free speech”…..My former moniker got hijacked by TP’s resident vulgarian…hence the new “not-meant-to-be-a-secret” moniker….
Tooodles………..
May 24th, 2007 at 4:11 pmIf in a life threatening situation where you needed blood, would you choose the gay man whose been monogomous for 10 years, practices safe sex,…
Comment by DRxJ — May 24, 2007 @ 9:53 am
Again, you are assuming this can be trusted.
May 24th, 2007 at 5:52 pmAgain, you are assuming this can be trusted.
Comment by upright left — May 24, 2007 @ 5:52 pm
What do you mean? There are a lot of questions asked of potential blood donors. If we didn’t trust their answers we would never have a blood supply at all.
May 24th, 2007 at 6:38 pmI think it crazy I was gaving blood and had to stop cause I was raped by another guy and they said I cant blood cause i was raped by another male. I talked to another blood bank and she told me long i’m HIV NEG out too 12 months I can come in and roll my sleeve up .Now redcross is pissed off with me but they was’nt when I was gaving them blood . yeah they need too change the rule. you cant get into trouble if you lie? peace god bless u
June 5th, 2007 at 3:55 pmall you have to do just go in and gave blood
June 5th, 2007 at 3:56 pmI was tested 3 too 1 year and I told redcross they dont wanna hear it . before I gave blood I made sure I was tested keep all my tests .
June 5th, 2007 at 3:58 pm