this post was submitted on 16 Apr 2024
1215 points (97.9% liked)

Memes

45550 readers
2324 users here now

Rules:

  1. Be civil and nice.
  2. Try not to excessively repost, as a rule of thumb, wait at least 2 months to do it if you have to.

founded 5 years ago
MODERATORS
 
you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[–] [email protected] 20 points 6 months ago* (last edited 6 months ago) (4 children)

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.

[–] [email protected] 30 points 6 months ago (2 children)

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.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 6 months ago (1 children)

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.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 6 months ago (1 children)

Why TF would being on PrEP make you a higher risk?

[–] [email protected] 2 points 6 months ago* (last edited 6 months ago)

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.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 6 months ago (1 children)

Nope, the world isn't the US.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 6 months ago

If

Your brain: we will just ignore that

[–] [email protected] 12 points 6 months ago (1 children)

WHAT? I've donated blood while high on cannabis.

[–] [email protected] 9 points 6 months ago (1 children)

Same. Hit the vape right before going in. Whoever gets that blood is probably going to fail a drug test.

[–] [email protected] 8 points 6 months ago

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).

[–] [email protected] 2 points 6 months ago (1 children)

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.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 6 months ago* (last edited 6 months ago)

People who take drugs are banned from giving blood in many countries.

[–] [email protected] -1 points 6 months ago (2 children)

Nah that's not true. Neither part is true. Go out and give blood!

[–] [email protected] 2 points 6 months ago* (last edited 6 months ago)

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

[–] [email protected] 1 points 6 months ago

Not where I'm from.