5.5
Gay Positive is the story of one man trying to bring to attention the outdated ban on gay men donating blood in the United States of America. This documentary is meant to inform and educate people on this controversial issue. A woman who recently received her nursing degree presents facts that could suggest that in order to keep our blood supply clean and abundant, we must update our current screening process for potential donors. By taking the camera to the streets, Gay Positive captures the opinions of people from many walks of life regarding how they feel about the ban today. One of the questions posed was, "If you were in need of a blood transfusion and the donor was healthy, would it concern you if this generous individual was a gay male?" Recent history proves that when tragedy strikes, donor centers are often in short supply and struggle to meet demand. The ban forces organizations such as The Red Cross to reject willing, disease-free, healthy individuals.
Director
A.J. Mattioli
May 20, 2021
The thing about ‘Gay Positive’ is that it still speaks truth years later. I was curious as to why I’m still unable to give blood as a gay man, and I wanted to see if the ban was still in effect. I saw that it was and found this documentary. This is a well-informed and well-crafted documentary that provides all of the different opinions on donating blood and the stigma of HIV and blood donating. I’m hopeful that with the recent strides in HIV vaccine treatments that this archaic blood donating ban will be lifted. And I appreciate this documentary for telling a story few are willing to tell.