Gays can help victims and change perceptions - Update on alternatives to the Red Cross

Update: already you can see how GLBT people are being discriminated against in spite of this horrific tragedy - laws in all 3 states and the Fed prevent GLBT families from getting ANY aid, considering the Bible belt location, how Christian is that? Help change perceptions and donate to the Rainbow World Fund)
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I want to donate blood to help the victims of the hurricaine. Sadly I am not able to since the Red Cross doesn't accept gay blood (they support a lifetime deferral for men who have had sex with men). In good conscience I cannot support them - I want to give more than just money, blood is a commodity too and it saves immediately, maybe moreso than even cash. But the Red Cross has used pseudo-science and political influence to exclude healthy, HIV and STD -, viable candidates like me. Honestly I've never given blood and it makes me nauseous and actually scared to give it. I'm sweating just thinking about it - but for once I really feel I need and want to do it - even if I pass out or make a jerk out of myself b/c I am afraid of needles and veins (veins gross me out almost as much as pickles!) SO I am NOT giving my money to the Red Cross - before you stone me, read on I found a great socially responsible charity that not only will help victims but also help show people that GLBT citizens are normal, compassionate and caring - like everyone else.

http://www.rainbowfund.org/ - I had no idea they existed until now but they are reputable and donating to food banks is very appropriate considering the hunger and supplies needed. If you agree pass the word - I'm putting this on my blog and encouraging all the people on my blogroll to do the same. Thanks for sparking the thought guys!

Oh yeah - 100% of donations through Rainbow World Fund go directly to the relief programs (in this case desperate foodbanks) - no admin costs are included. This is a great way to show people who we are as a community, help those in need (including those against us!) which was help change the perception of GLBT citizens in this country.

Some people don't want to "politicize" the issue - even many gays I know just want to donate to the Red Cross ASAP and say I am splitting hairs but they have changed their minds when I ask them to consider this:

If your partner was lying in a hospital dying and needed your help - would you be legally allowed to give it? Really please think hard about it. You've heard the stories of people being turned away b/c they weren't even considered family!

In a natural disaster, health proxies and court orders are inaccessible (think about it, in crisis nobody will wait for a call from your lawyer). Equal rights for marriage (or unions whatever) that are nationally recognizable will allow GLBT citizens to weather crises just like everyone else. Should we be punished by a crisis twice just because we are gay? This is serious, it could be happening now.

I know many must tire of my political feelings (nobody ever comments either b/c I am too wacko or they think I am too serious, afraid of criticism etc) but this is my plea for the http://www.rainbowfund.org/ - take 5 minutes and read their 'About Us' section and they goals and principles - I just found my favorite new non-political charity! :-)

Please pass the word whether you are gay or straight and want gays to be able to help in a positive way. Consider adding http://www.rainbowfund.org/ to you blogrolls today!
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PS - DC boys - my friend Watusi is having a FABULOUS fundraiser tonight from 7-10 so email me for details!

More progressive resources to help: http://www.hurricanehousing.org/, http://www.secondharvest.org/default.asp (supported by http://www.rainbowfund.org/)