00:00I am too. I am too. It's crazy. They said, no, you can't. You're an eligible.
00:05Andy Cohen is speaking out after learning that he's unable to donate plasma to help those affected
00:10by COVID-19. The Watch What Happens Live host took the closing moments of his show to open up
00:15about how he had signed up for a program that helps COVID-19 survivors donate their plasma,
00:20which is rich in antibodies, to help those battling the virus. Cohen has since recovered
00:24from COVID-19 after announcing his diagnosis last month. However, the host is saying that due to,
00:29quote, discriminatory guidelines by the FDA to prevent HIV, the host is not able to donate.
00:35To prevent HIV, I am ineligible to donate blood because I'm a gay man. He explained that the new
00:42relaxed rules require gay men to abstain from sex for three months, whether they're in a monogamous
00:47relationship or not, before giving blood. However, Cohen calls that hypocritical.
00:51Though no such blanket restrictions exist for people of other sexual orientations.
00:57The host continues to question why there is a three-month rule when all donated blood is
01:02screened for HIV. In fact, the host goes on to note that a rapid HIV test can be done in 20 minutes
01:07or less.
01:08Why are members from my community being excluded from helping out when so many people are sick
01:14and dying?
01:15Cohen went on to argue that stigma is being valued over science, saying,
01:19My blood could save a life, but instead it's over here boiling.
01:22We're quarantining, we're social distancing, we're wearing masks. Why can't we adapt when it comes to this rule?
01:29Adding that remaining quarantined has everyone wondering what day it is or what year it is,
01:34Cohen expressed his disappointment in being unable to help.
01:37We need to think about this and do better. Thanks.
01:40To watch the full video, head to THR.com. For The Hollywood Reporter News, I'm Neha Joy.
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