You're viewing a single thread.
Saving lives is pretty hot, but its a shame they don't let you do this if you're gay or use cannabis.
Edit: this is getting out of hand, I do not live in the US. Happy for y'all that do! Although, overall I'm pretty glad not to be living there.
If you're talking about the American Red Cross, they have removed most of the explicitly queerphobic rules. They still ask about high risk activities, but in a non gendered way.
It was kind of insane, though, that 20 years ago I was banned for life for having sucked cock. Turns out I was just boymoding, and as soon as I transitioned cocksucking became just fine for blood donation.
Nope, the world isn't the US.
If
Your brain: we will just ignore that
Just discovered these rule changes based on your comment. Unfortunately my partner and I still can't donate blood (they're on PREP, and I was in a vaccine trial that disqualifies me), but it's cool that they've finally eliminated the worst of the queerphobia in the US.
I experienced the reverse of you - as soon as I transitioned I was disqualified as a trans man who has sex with men, even if the sex was identical pre- and post-transition. These were the previous "updated" rules that were supposed to be less queerphobic, but obviously weren't hitting the mark.
Why TF would being on PrEP make you a higher risk?
Quoting from the red cross FAQ:
The waiting period is required due to these drugs interfering with viral replication and thus possibly altering the detectability of diagnostic and screening tests for HIV, including extending the window period prior to detectable infection or a delay in producing antibodies.
...
The Red Cross and the FDA support individuals making responsible choices for their health and the broader health of our communities. The Red Cross and FDA are involved in ongoing research, data collection and assessment related to transfusion safety, including the use of HIV preventative medications, and will continue to seek opportunities that could potentially help lead to additional changes. The Red Cross does not encourage individuals to stop taking these medications in order to donate blood.
WHAT? I've donated blood while high on cannabis.
Same. Hit the vape right before going in. Whoever gets that blood is probably going to fail a drug test.
The American Red Cross has this on their website:
Q: I'm a heavy cannabis user. Can a transfusion recipient fail a drug test if they receive my blood?
A: No.
They don't care if you're high as a kite as long as it doesn't impair your memory or comprehension (probably for legal reasons).
Who's barring cannabis users? Red Cross at least only has a problem if your decision-making appears impaired. They don't even ask you to wait between smoking and donating as long as you're thinking clearly enough.
People who take drugs are banned from giving blood in many countries.
Nah that's not true. Neither part is true. Go out and give blood!
The gay part is true in some countries, even in Europe.
You have to deny it in a form before you're able to donate
Not where I'm from.