Appeals such as "Give blood to save lives" (Argus May 8) always, if you'll pardon the pun, make my blood boil.

A few years ago, I queued up on a hot summer's day outside a Blood Donor Service van, a little apprehensive, but very much wanting to make my contribution for the first time.

After about 20 minutes, I was handed a card explaining what goes on. To my astonishment, there in black and white, it was stated that, as a gay man, my blood was not good enough. Statistically, of course, my blood is at a higher risk of being HIV-positive.

No consideration of the fact that I know I am HIV-negative, and that the few sexual encounters I have had have always been of the safest possible kind.

No, my blood was stereotyped, along with that of all other gay men, and branded worthless.

I refused to lie about my sexuality and therefore had to leave the queue and go home.

Despite all this, I would still gladly give blood. I find it sickening to think someone's life could be lost as a consequence of a shortage of donated blood, exacerbated by what appears to be a homophobic policy.

I assume the policy has not changed since I tried to give blood the first time but would love to learn differently.

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