Canadian Blood Services recently announced they have changed the restrictions on gay men giving blood, though it’s still not entirely inclusive. Apparently not all homosexuals have HIV or AIDS. Wow, what a revelation! What surprise, what intrigue. Call the reporters, call the mayor, we must let everyone know!

If you’re a gay man and have been wanting to give blood, save a life and get your free donut, it’s your lucky day! Well, that’s not entirely true. It’ll be your lucky day in five years — assuming you keep your member locked away for your hands only. Indeed, CBS will allow gay men to give blood if they remain celibate for five years. Masturbation party anyone? Not. Maybe chastity belts will come back into fashion.

I know it’s important to know your partner’s sexual history and to get tested regularly if you are engaging in unsafe sex, but five whole years of celibacy? Sheesh. Maybe my blood isn’t in me to give.

I’ve grown up in a family that donates blood regularly, so naturally I decided to donate as soon as I was eligible.

When I started giving blood it was discovered that I have a high platelet count, which is a more time consuming donation than red blood cells. Regardless of how long it took, I enjoyed giving platelets every two weeks; it was something I took pride in doing and I always had great visits with the wonderful nurses at CBS.

However, once I came out of the dark and secluded closet, I had to stop giving blood.

“Have you ever had sex with a man even one time?” This question haunts me still and it’s been over a year since I last donated.

What stereotype is this based on? Is it the one where all gay men fuck each other all the time, and don’t use condoms? And as a result all gay men have HIV and every other STI under the sun because we all just want to cum all the time? Is that the broad, over-generalized stereotype?

I know that CBS aren’t out to make me or any other gay person feel bad. The concern lies with the state of health for the patients receiving these donations.

And yet, I’m still offended.

I’ve only ever been monogamous. I know how to practice safe sex. So why can’t I give blood? I’m trying to help save lives, but I’m forbidden to do so because I happen to be attracted to men. Strike me down for going against the hegemonic norms of western society. Do I need to remind everyone that being gay is not a choice?

Straight donors could have HIV and AIDS, too. So why isn’t CBS worried about them?

Someone who thinks or knows they have HIV or AIDS wouldn’t try to give blood in the first place.

Blood donors are not malicious people who want to make sick patients sicker with infected blood; blood donors are good people who want to help patients to live. The free doughnut is a great perk of donating blood, but it’s not like donors get paid for their efforts.

I happen to be one of the good guys who also happens to be gay. Darn.

While staying celibate is unlikely for many adults in general, I still — behind my bitterness — appreciate the fact that CBS is taking steps to allow gay men to give blood.

Awareness is key on all accounts. Canadian Blood Services should be aware — as should the Canadian public — that not all gay men have HIV or AIDS.

Not all gay men practice unsafe sex or have multiple sexual partners who might have HIV or AIDS. Some gay men may only have one sexual partner throughout their lives.

Whether you are gay or straight, I hope you see my point of view on this matter. I hope you can empathize with my bitterness about this issue. But I also hope you don’t stop giving blood just because I can’t.

If anything, I want to encourage people to give blood. If you are a healthy individual — according to Canadian Blood Services standards — please donate.

Educate yourselves about donor eligibility to learn more about who can and cannot donate.

I hope that one day gay men, like myself, will be able to give blood without prejudice or regulations based on terrible stereotypes and misinformation.

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Graphic: Cody Schumacher/Graphics Editor