Vancouver-WA
September 27, 2006


I share your angry feelings and I too felt truly hurt and rejected as a person. The risk of HIV infection is understated in most cases and certainly I as a gay man could have HIV and not know it. That being said, so could many straight people and bisexual/curious people. That being a fact we all know, the ideal situation would simply be to screen the blood samples. Period.

Don't insult me by saying my 'lifestyle' or 'sexual preference' are of any concern of the CDC. The job of the CDC is to collect blood and be sure it is safe for usage for anyone in need of that blood. (Again, period!) Part of the process of making sure it is usable is testing. Test it and stop insulting the public who is coming to you as a gift. I was not paid for prior times giving blood, I always turned it down. I did it out of a loyalty to my fellow man.

I am a safe sex participant, I deserve better treatment. You deserve to have to change your policy. It is we the gay people of the US who have been wronged by your rules. Simply correct it and we'll all get along better and the people in need of blood will receive the benefit of healthy blood.

Thank you for reading
Phil V.
Age 36