Fighting Against Discrimination

Dear Friend,

Every June, we proudly celebrate LGBT Pride Month. Unfortunately, a month that is usually defined by joy and festivity was marked with tragedy in the early morning hours of June 12th when 49 innocent men and women were senselessly killed at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida.

During times of tragedy, the American people are quick to mobilize in solidarity with the affected community. We witnessed that compassion as many Floridians rushed to donate blood for the victims being cared for in local hospitals.

Given the target, nature and timing of this particular attack, the LGBT community was especially eager to contribute to the response effort. Yet, due to the FDA's blood donor deferral policy for gay and bisexual men, many healthy potential blood donors were prohibited from donating.

The cruel irony of this deferral policy is personified by this particular terrorist attack, where the victims were targeted for being members of the LGBT community and the gay men who wanted to donate blood for those in need were banned from doing so.

So on June 14th, World Blood Donor Day, I was proud to stand alongside my colleagues in opposition to the FDA's current misguided blood donation policy, and called on FDA Commissioner Califf to change the policy to be based on the risk of transfusion-transmissible infections, and not on sexual orientation.

As the Vice-Chair of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus, I am committed to ensuring full equality for all citizens. Let's honor the lives lost in Orlando by continuing to celebrate LGBT Pride Month and the values of equality, inclusion and understanding. Like my Facebook, Twitter or Instagram page to share your thoughts with me this Pride Month.

Sincerely,

Mike Quigley