I went to donate blood

 It was late in 1998, I managed a sales team in Newport Beach, in sales and advertising of luxury boats and yachts. I took the afternoon off work to donate blood at the Red Cross.

Half way through my nerve racked donation, the queen asked "So are you gay"? I Thought "oh lord he's gonna hit on me" I replied "yes". Oh (hands on hip)" well I'm sorry but you can't give blood." I asked "why the hell not? I continued,  I'm perfectly healthy" He went on "have you had sex with a man any time between 1977 and now"? "Yes" I responded (with a bit of an attitude )however, I've been tested and with my partner for seven years". He responded "Sorry no can do".

I walked out of the Red Cross feeling very cross and insulted. What, because I was a gay person, my blood was expected to be a hazard. I was just healing from almost 10 years of my close friends being killed off from this monster AIDS and a nation suffered under the dark cloud of the AIDS epidemic.

Fast forward 2012.
For some strange impression I thought I'd listened to or watched a program informing me the FDA had dispelled of it's old rule and now was eager to obtain the additional blood from any good person, including gay men. Now I could help---I thought.

A hospital in Long Beach was in serious need of blood, to the point of offering $25.00 coupons for oil changes. ( I own a luxury car and didn't need their coupon) I moved things around and called to make sure I'd have everything I needed to help. I went in and sat down, only to learn after reading the "We cant take your blood if", if you had sex with another man in 1977-2012 you're not allowed to give your fabulous blood now.

 I walked out of Long Beach Memorial Hospital with the same queer feeling I had 14 years ago. And all I would have to say for them to accept my blood is "oh ya I am straight" and my gift of my awesome blood would be there to help another human being live. Maybe next year I can help?