Watch: This hilarious PSA has an important message
The Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion has released a ‘public service announcement’… with an important message.
The clip features a scientist examining a slide of blood cells.
However, when he looks closely, he is baffled to see the individual cells dancing to ‘Any Which Way’ by the Scissor Sisters.
As the scientist too starts to dance, it concludes: “There’s no such thing as gay blood.”
The charity is protesting the continuing ban on blood donation by men who have sex with men in the country – which was implemented at the height of the AIDS crisis.
Under the country’s current rules, gay men would have to abstain from all sex for five years before becoming eligible to give blood.
A release said: “Canada’s ban dates back to the mid 1980s — a time when AIDS was rapidly emerging as a deadly, incurable threat. The gay community was in crisis, and no HIV testing procedures for blood donations were in place yet.
“At the time, a sweeping ban made sense, but a lot has changed since then. Today, every donation given at Canadian Blood Services is thoroughly tested for pathogens, including HIV.
“In addition to sharing the PSA and signing the petition, CCDI is requesting concerned citizens tweet at Canadian Blood Services @itsinyoutogive and request to #EndTheBan.”
The Scissor Sisters, who are currently on hiatus, donated their song free of charge for the campaign.
