By: Eric Glare

Eric Glare — Wed, 29 Nov 2017 05:52:20 +0000

I really think blood equality is not the next step for HIV or for LGBTI communities when we have it in our means to end HIV. Ending HIV is way more profound than the blood ban. Our State Government in their HIV strategy 2017-2020 has committed to end all HIV discrimination and stigma by 2030. This is an audacious claim that if it could be done would make a substantial impact on our communities – much more impact than lifting the blood ban that would only allow a small minority to donate. But, importantly, removing stigma would set the scene for lifting the ban. We have yet to really challenge the stigma behind the ban and that should be seen to first. Even Holas, while claiming blood equality is next, actually says the “most inclusive, ethical way” is to end HIV first. To end stigma we need leadership especially the vision that it is possible.

Comments on: ‘The most ethical way to allow gay men to donate blood is to end HIV’: Nic Holas

By: Eric Glare