A federal panel has overturned the ban on blood bank donations by gay men, a rule implemented 15 years ago out of fear of AIDS. The 1985 ban declared that any man who has had sex with another man even once since 1977 cannot give blood. Finally, blood bank officials said it was time to change that rule, and the Federal Drug Administration’s Blood Products Advisory Committee has lifted the ban.
Unfortunately, there were immediate consequences. After being in a near fatal car accident just last week, 38-year-old Brian McFeely was transported to a nearby trauma center in need of an immediate blood transfusion. After four days in the hospital, he was stabilized and released to finish his recovery at home. But on the morning of June 18, McFeely said he awoke to a disturbing site that left him confused about his identity.
“When I woke up in the morning, I was a bit groggy but I knew I felt different,” recalls McFeely. “My breasts were larger, my waist was slimmer, my hair was longer and I was confused. I got up and stumbled to the mirror and what I saw shocked me so bad that I fainted. The doctor says there is nothing they can do for me. But actually, I’m growing fond of my new look. I’m thinking of becoming a stripper. You realize how much cash I can make? Maybe even a hooker. I’m ’bout to be rich b*tch!”
McFeely says he has no desire to change back to a stinky, sweaty, hairy man and is learning to embrace this new lifestyle. “Getting gay blood is probably the best thing that’s ever happened to me. But trying to get used to wearing these G strings… damn that’s tough. But a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do.”