Arts & Entertainment

‘Game of Thrones’ blood drive criticized for discriminating against gay men

Participants can win a trip to the final season premiere

Published

6 years ago

March 8, 2019

“Game of Thrones” and American Red Cross have teamed up for a national blood drive which includes special “Game of Thrones” prizes but some gay men are feeling left out because of the Food and Drug Administration guidelines.

The show’s “Bleed for the Throne” campaign gives fans a chance to donate blood in an “immersive experience” at SXSW in Austin, Texas, from March 7-9. Fans who can’t make it to SXSW can donate blood at specialty drives in 43 states until March 17.

Participants will receive a blood-splattered Iron Throne T-shirt and will be entered to win a chance to attend the show’s final season premiere on April 14 in New York City.

Donate blood for the good of the realm.#GameofThrones is teaming up with @RedCross to join the fight for the living. Visit https://t.co/5MbSh6Gdlt for more info. https://t.co/RneQng9dQf
— Game of Thrones (@GameOfThrones) February 19, 2019

However, federal blood-donation guidelines will prevent some gay men from participating in “Bleed for the Throne.” According to the Food and Drug Administration, men must abstain from sex with other men for 12 months before they are allowed to donate blood.

Joe Stanieich-Burke, 29, told the Daily Beast that this exclusion is “going widely unnoticed.”

“It bothers me that my perfect, healthy gay blood isn’t a viable option unless I abstain from sex for 12 months, and that’s not gonna happen,” Stanieich-Burke said. “I consider this a right for gay men that is going widely unnoticed.”

One Twitter user tweeted: “While cool for GoT fans, a reminder that this whole initiative and contest discriminates against gay and bi men, who are still banned from donating blood for bigoted, discriminatory reasons.”

Another user tweeted: “Bold of Apple to give my gay ass an ad for blood donation.”

According to the Daily Beast, fans who aren’t eligible to donate blood can still participate in the contest by contacting the Red Cross Donor Supply Center. However, the Daily Beast notes that was not clearly stated in its public promotion of the contest.

A HBO spokesperson released a statement saying that there are other ways for fans who cannot donate blood to participate in sweepstakes and interact with the campaign.

“The ‘Bleed for the Throne’ campaign is and has always been open to everyone. Knowing that FDA regulations may prohibit blood donation by some, we have created multiple ways for fans to interact with the campaign, including entry to the activation at SXSW and the season 8 premiere sweepstakes. While the SXSW activation filled up quickly, a standby line will be available while the activation is open. Those unable to donate blood in national blood drives can still enter the sweepstakes by contacting the Red Cross Donor Support Center with a request to be entered, along with their name, mailing address and a valid email. Inclusivity is a key HBO value, and we have long been supporters of the LGBTQ+ community,” reads the statement.

Related Topics:Game of Thrones The Daily Beast

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Arts & Entertainment

Washington Blade’s Pride on the Pier returns bigger than ever with two-day WorldPride celebration

Published

1 day ago

April 15, 2025

Staff reports

The Washington Blade’s Pride on the Pier will be extended to a two-day celebration in honor of WorldPride coming to D.C. this year. Taking place on Friday, June 6 and Saturday, June 7 at The Wharf, this year’s event promises more entertainment, more community, and more pride than ever before — all set against the stunning waterfront backdrop of our nation’s capital.

With the addition of Friday, the party kicks off at 3 p.m., with the inaugural WorldPride Boat Parade at 7 p.m. As an Official WorldPride Partner event, the boat parade will feature 30 decorated boats parading along the Washington Channel. For information on signing up for the boat parade contact Stephen Rutgers at [email protected].

Saturday’s signature Pier Party kicks off at 12 p.m., featuring a drag show, DJ’s, streaming of the WorldPride Parade, and the iconic Fireworks Show Presented by the Leonard-Litz Foundation — one of D.C. Pride’s most anticipated spectacles.

“We’re expanding Washington Blade Pride on the Pier to reflect the excitement and momentum building for WorldPride in D.C.,” said Blade publisher Lynne Brown. “It’s a celebration of our community’s progress and a powerful reminder of the joy and visibility Pride brings to the heart of our city.”

Now in its seventh year, Washington Blade Pride on the Pier extends the city’s annual celebration of LGBTQ visibility to the bustling Wharf waterfront with an exciting array of activities and entertainment for all ages. The District Pier will offer DJs, dancing, drag, and other entertainment. Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase for those 21 and older.

Pride on the Pier is free and open to the public, with VIP tickets available for exclusive pier access, hosted bars, and private viewing areas for the boat parade and the fireworks show. To purchase VIP tickets visit www.prideonthepierdc.com/vip.

Friday VIP: 5-9 p.m., enjoy an air-conditioned lounge, private bathroom, cash bar and complimentary drink.

Saturday VIP Session #1: 2-5 p.m., enjoy an air-conditioned lounge, private bathroom, catered food, and an open bar.

Saturday VIP Session #2: 6-9 p.m., enjoy the air-conditioned lounge, private bathroom, catered snacks and dinner, and open bar with a front-row view of the fireworks.

Event Details:

📍 Location: District Pier at The Wharf (101 District Sq., S.W., Washington, D.C.)
📅 Dates: Friday, June 6 & Saturday, June 7, 2025
🛥️Boat Parade: 7 p.m. (June 6). 🎆 Fireworks Show: 9 p.m. (June 7)
🎟️ VIP Tickets: www.PrideOnThePierDC.com/VIP

Event sponsors include Absolut, Capital Pride, DC Fray, Infinate Legacy, Heineken, Leonard-Litz Foundation, Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs, Relish Catering, Washingtonian, and The Wharf. More information regarding activities will be released at www.PrideOnThePierDC.com