There is something unsettling about pervasive stereotypes in American culture. They get into minds and stay there despite contrary evidence and logic.
Although many ethnic and racial stereotypes have become largely unacceptable in this modern age, those regarding the lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgender community somehow seep into our culture and are viewed as having legitimacy.
This was most recently made apparent by the Food and Drug Administration's reaffirmation last week to ban gay men from donating blood.
The policy was enacted in 1983 with the intention of preventing the spread of HIV through blood transfusions.
A questionnaire is required before donating is allowed. In addition to questions about intravenous drug usage and whether the potential donor has paid for sex, it contains the question of whether a man has had sex with another man anytime since 1977, when the AIDS outbreak began.
If the answer is "yes," the person is not allowed to donate.
There are several things wrong with this policy.
Most discouragingly is the fact that AIDS is still viewed as a disease only affecting gays.
In fact, the spread of the disease, and other sexually transmitted diseases, is present in the heterosexual community as well.
In 2005, there was an estimated 12,219 cases of HIV/AIDS resulting from heterosexual contact.
The ban is one of those stereotypes that has, for one reason or another, permeated the American way of thinking and made its way into federal policy.
A ban on gay, male blood donors classifies them as promiscuous, unsafe and infected with HIV. That archaic way of thinking still exists and shows that America is not a nation of equality for all.
The American Red Cross and other blood donation agencies have called the ban "medically and scientifically unwarranted."
With improved testing, HIV can be determined in blood samples as early as 10-21 days from infection.
The blood is tested after being drawn for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation. If a disease is present, it will be found. There is no need to place a ban on one group because of potential problems.
With current technology, a lifetime ban on blood donations is not necessary.
One solution, proposed by America's Blood Centers, is to institute a one-year deferral in place of the lifetime ban.
There is a high need for blood donations in this nation. Yet, many healthy men are being turned away simply because of their sexual orientation.
The LBGT community continues to be discriminated against in this country. Whether they are being denied marriage, partner benefits or being banned from donating blood, there is still an existing bias.
These policies exist because of preconceived notions and false stereotypes. They are not warranted and should not be viewed as legitimate.
