Today is my birthday and the NY Blood center sent me an email wishing me a happy birthday. And thanked me for my support. However, I am a gay person in a committed relationship with my fiance who I have been with for over 5 years and we will be getting married next year. I cannot give blood, and to send this to me is a slap in the face. Under the current rule, I would have to abstain any sexual relations with my own fiance for a year before they will allow us to donate blood. This is not good enough. We would love to help save lives. We can not. After 12 months, a woman who has had sex with a HIV positive person can donate, but we can not. Simply put, this is homophobic in nature and also discrimination. Change must occur. The nation deserves this. Give us the right to donate!!



