Regardless of where I live, my travel patterns etc., I am not allowed to give blood period. I used to be a regular donor, aphersis as well, but because of one simple fact, I am gay, they don't want my blood.
Surely they could take it, screen it and use it. Yes safeguards need to be in place but with the tests around for HIV etc., why can't they check my blood, confirm it is ok and then use it. I have always found it appaling that a female can be friendly and unsafe and give blood regularly, while a gay male cannot give at all.