I had been previously aware of a disparity in the way the National Blood Service treated heterosexual and homosexual people wishing to donate blood, however it was not until recently when I researched their exact policy that I learnt the extent. I was shocked upon first learning their position - in fact it is the only time in my lifetime I have ever been so angry with a law it made me feel sick upon learning of its existence. It is clearly also a policy not widely known – two of my close friends who are regular blood donators (and straight, if that is relevant) were not aware of the complete ban on homosexuals and were as shocked and disgusted as I was.

I am an 18-year-old male and recently decided I wished to start giving blood, partially encouraged by the highly provocative and effective adverts currently shown on TV by the NBS. I had gone along with a friend when she was giving blood once before, however at...

Been asked to see if any of you guys are interested in this:

"The World's Strictest Parents sends British teenagers to different countries around the world to live with strict families. The aim is to find out what is the right way to bring up a child, and whether strict parenting can change the relationship that British teens have with their own parents.

You will spend up to two exciting weeks experiencing life with a family from a totally different culture. You will be expected to live under the strict rules of your host family, exactly as if you were the family's own child, and do as the host family's children do, at school, at home and when you're out and about.

Past contributors have had amazing experiences, some of which have changed their lives and their relationship with their parents forever. This is a chance not to be missed for any young person looking for an adventure. "

They're looking for someone aged 16 or 17 (from the UK o...

Today I went to the Genito-Urinary Clinic at my local hospital for a sexual health check. It was my first time going for one of these, so I didn't really know what to expect. It made me a little nervous - I hope that in writing this I spread a little knowledge, so that when anybody has to go for a check, they know what sort of thing to expect, and will hopefully feel a little less nervous.

First things first, a couple of disclaimers:

• I’ll be detailing the examination given to men who have sex with men. I don’t know about the procedure for women, sorry! It’s also worth mentioning that different clinics might do things a bit differently – my understanding however is that NHS clinics are all fairly similar.
• This is based on my memory, which might not be perfec...