Blood bank in Florida still turning away gay donors after terrorist attack

[uppityperson]

15. Wrong. You say no gay man should be allowed to donate blood, where heteros can, because some

gay men may have anal sex? Regardless of whether or not they are in a committed relationship or having sex with random people of unknown HIV status? Regardless of whether or not they have had a negative HIV test 6 months prior and no sex of any kind since? Regardless of whether or not they have anal sex? Regardless of whether or not they use condoms? Regardless of what sort of sex they have and with whom, or if any at all?

And heterosexual men and women aren't "apt to have it because of the way they have sex"?

Regardless of whether or not they are in a committed relationship or having sex with random people whose HIV status is unknown. Regardless of what sort of sex they have (hint, anal is commoner than you think)? Regardless of condoms never being used? Regardless of whether or not they have had a HIV test of any sort?

I am appalled because this is the thinking that was prevalent in the 80's and 90's, thought DUers had educated themselves past this.

Yes, HIV is transmitted by sex, but to exclude all gay men "because of the way they have sex" is just wrong. Vaginal sex is way it is spread, the reason it has spread so far in many parts of the world. Shared needles is a way it is spread. Pregnant women to fetus.

To ban all gay men from donating blood because "the way they have sex", meaning not using a condom receptive anal intercourse with a person of unknown HIV status is just plain wrong.

I speak as a nurse who has done HIV prevention education.