LAS CRUCES, N.M. ÷ Students at New Mexico State University expressed their concern about gay people not being allowed to donate blood as United Blood Services mobile units were present on campus last week. Cesar Trujillo, president of Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Friends at NMSU said in a phone interview that he attempted to donate blood his freshman year, but was denied because he was gay.

"I felt wrongfully excluded and discriminated against but I kind of see where it comes from. There was, and still is, a big scare," Trujillo said.

Glenna Telles, the Las Cruces, N.M., center manager for United Blood Services, said anyone at a high risk for AIDS is not allowed to donate blood. According to Telles, NMSU is one of the largest blood-donating areas in the county. Telles said United Blood Services is not making a judgment on people's lifestyles, but cannot accept blood from people who are a high risk for HIV and AIDS.

Before people give blood, they are asked a series of personal questions.

Trujillo explained that people wishing to give blood are not asked what their sexual orientations are, but whether they have ever engaged in same-sex intercourse.

"United Blood Services provides a very needed service, but some of the restrictions are outdated and need to be changed," Trujillo said.

Josh Markle, a gay man and freshman majoring in government, said he has known about this donor qualification since his senior year of high school.

"I think it's ridiculous, because anyone can carry AIDS. Just because two men have sex with each other doesn't mean they have a disease," Markle said.