In the US, you also can’t donate within 12 months of getting a new tattoo. Clearly the system discriminates against hipsters.
Sorry mate, all the inkybinky trolling made me miss the sarcasm.
^ That’s true here too. In fact a tattoo may be a permanent ban, I’m not sure. Travel to certain countries also exempts you for a period (for example after returning from China I was out of the donor pool for a year).
Absolutely. Even in good old US, not just in Canada. I don’t remember if there are specific dates (like 1970s-1990s) or if it is still a blanket ban. IIRC none of my gay friends that are around my age, are eligible to donate.
EDIT: here you go Ohai - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Men_who_have_sex_with_men_blood_donor_controversy#United_States
You may want to apply for a BJ/HJ exemption.
Yep, I remember in high school, Gaymen weren’t allowed to donate.