Wednesday, July 10th was a historic day in North Carolina. Kody H. Kinsley, the state’s out gay Health and Human Services Secretary took part in GLAAD and America’s Blood Centers’ “Summer of Giving” blood drive campaign!
Wednesday morning, Secretary Kinsley stopped by The Blood Connection in Raleigh to make a life saving donation. As part of the national “Summer of Giving,” Senator Kinsley is encouraging member’s of his community to take part in the campaign and donate.
In partnership with America’s Blood Centers, GLAAD has launched a national blood drive campaign focused on advocacy and education on the implementation of new FDA guidance that expands blood donor eligibility to more LGBTQ people, especially for gay and bisexual men who, in the past, have faced discrimination around blood donor eligibility.
In accordance with new FDA guidelines, the sexual orientation of a donor and their sexual partners will no longer be a consideration for donor eligibility. Senator Kinsley is one of the many LGBTQ people now exercising their ability to give back after decades of unfair treatment in the space.
Darian Aaron, GLAAD’s Director of Local News, U.S. South said in a statement, “North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley’s blood donation and participation in GLAAD and America’s Blood Center’s ‘Summer of Giving’ is a celebration of the LGBTQ community and decades of work to remove the stigma too many potential blood donors have endured. Today, LGBTQ blood donors should be treated the same as any other blood donor when they walk into their local blood center. This campaign and Sec. Kinsley’s actions send a loud message that LGBTQ people are welcome at blood centers, who can generously contribute to their communities to help save lives.”
Given the constant need for donations, Secretary Kinsley recommends all North Carolinians who are able, including those recently eligible to donate, to become regular blood donors.
Learn more about GLAAD and America’s Blood Centers’ “Summer of Giving” here.