Arts & Entertainment

Lance Bass slams FDA’s ban on blood donations from gay men

the star expressed frustration over not being allowed to help Las Vegas victims

Published

9 years ago

October 4, 2017

Mariah Cooper

Lance Bass (Washington Blade photo by Michael K. Lavers)

Lance Bass blasted the FDA’s ban on donations from gay men in frustration over not being allowed to donate blood to victims of the Las Vegas mass shooting.

“How is it STILL illegal for gays to donate blood??!!” Bass tweeted. “I want to donate and I’m not allowed.”

How is it STILL illegal for gays to donate blood??!! I want to donate and I’m not allowed. ?

— Lance Bass (@LanceBass) October 3, 2017

FDA guidelines state that men can only donate blood 12 months after his last sexual contact with another man. The law came into effect in December 2015 to replace a lifetime ban against gay men donating blood.

Other gay men criticized the ban on Twitter in the wake of the tragedy which left 59 people dead and 527 injured.

It infuriates me that gay & bisexual men can be turned away from donating blood in Las Vegas because of the @US_FDA‘s discriminatory policy.

— Shane Bitney Crone (@ShaneBitney) October 2, 2017

Just a reminder that I wanted to donate my O+ universal blood today for Vegas but can’t bc I’m gay ???

— Gilbert Romero☀️?? (@GilbertRomeroAZ) October 3, 2017

It is 2017.
We’ve had multiple humanitarian crises and mass shootings.
And gay folks still cannot immediately donate blood.
It is 2017. https://t.co/RC5LDTxI3r

— Mario (@mtehuitz) October 3, 2017

That awkward moment you want to donate blood to victims in Vegas, but remember you can’t because you’re gay….

— Nick Silva (@NICKBSILVA) October 2, 2017

Photos

PHOTOS: Amsterdam Pride Canal Parade

Annual LGBTQ celebration held in Dutch city during World Pride

Published

12 hours ago

August 1, 2026

Michael Key and Michael K. Lavers

A scene from the 2026 Amsterdam Pride Canal Parade. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Editor’s note: International News Editor Michael K. Lavers and Photo Editor Michael Key are on assignment in the Netherlands through Aug. 10.

AMSTERDAM — The 2026 Amsterdam Pride Canal Parade was held on Saturday, Aug. 1.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key and Michael K. Lavers)

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Photos

PHOTOS: Lambda Legal in the Pines

Fundraiser held at ‘Normal Heart’ house

Published

2 days ago

July 31, 2026

Guest photographer

A scene from the 'Lambda Legal in the Pines' fundraiser on July 25. (Photo by Santiago Felipe)

The LGBTQ organization Lambda Legal held its annual “Lambda Legal in the Pines” fundraiser on Saturday, July 25. The event was held at a house on Fire Island featured in Ryan Murphy’s 2014 HBO film, “The Normal Heart.”

Organizers say over $500,000 was raised to support Lambda Legal’s national litigation and advocacy work.

(Photos by Santiago Felipe)

Out & About

Come showcase your singing, poetry talent

Spark Social open mic night planned for Aug. 13

Published

2 days ago

July 31, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Spark Social will host “Open Mic Night” on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 8 p.m. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

Spark Social will host “Open Mic Night” on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 8 p.m.

Get ready to share your talent or just kick back and enjoy some great performances. This event is a fun, laid-back vibe where everyone’s welcome to take the stage. Sign-ups are first-come, first-served, but you can also DM Spark Social on Instagram to reserve a performance spot. Whether you’re a singer, poet, or comedian, this is your chance to get on stage and share your art. More details are available on Eventbrite.