Group Will Recommend Gays Don’t Give Blood (Press, 9 August 1983)
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Summary: Group Will Recommend Gays Don’t Give Blood (Press, 9 August 1983)
On 9 August 1983, the National Gay Rights Coalition addressed concerns about the media's portrayal of A.I.D.S. as a "gay disease." During a press conference in Christchurch, the coalition's general secretary, Mr Hugh Gaw, expressed worries that the anti-gay sentiment seen overseas could also emerge in New Zealand. He noted that this narrative was damaging and unfounded, as the origins of A.I.D.S. remain unclear and indications suggest that it may not be a new illness, with historical presence in regions like Africa. Mr Gaw pointed out that sexually active homosexual men often undergo regular health screenings for sexually transmitted infections, making their detection of A.I.D.S. less surprising. He voiced dissatisfaction with New Zealand health authorities suggesting that gay individuals should refrain from donating blood, as it unfairly implied that only this group could carry the virus. Gavin Young, another coalition member from Wellington, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the ongoing struggle to detach illness from the identity of homosexuality, now threatened by renewed stigma. Despite their reservations, Gaw stated that the coalition would recommend its 50,000 members temporarily abstain from blood donation due to preliminary evidence of blood transmission of A.I.D.S. He urged caution and responsibility, anxious about both the health authorities’ stance and the potential overreactions from within the gay community regarding the disease. The coalition outlined plans to enhance collaboration with health officials to help prevent A.I.D.S. from entering New Zealand. They committed to producing informative pamphlets for the gay community and facilitating ongoing updates through their publications. Additionally, Gaw mentioned the intention to broaden special clinics for sexually transmitted diseases to ensure that any A.I.D.S. cases would be detected early on within the country.
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