New Red Cross insult
An elderly woman will take legal action against the Red Cross after she was asked to leave her volunteer position for being the carer of her HIV-positive nephew.
The woman, who asked not to be named, volunteered at the Parramatta Red Cross tea room. Before starting she told a manager she cared for her HIV-positive nephew, Richard Johnson.
Two weeks ago, after arriving for her Friday shift, she was told by a fellow volunteer she would not be working. She was called into a meeting with another manager, who expressed concern that other volunteers and patrons might contract the disease.
“She said she wished Richard hadn’t opened his mouth,” the woman told Sydney Star Observer. “It upset me. I just loved working there, meeting people.”
“My aunt’s been directly discriminated against in her position and I’ve been indirectly discriminated against,” an outraged Johnson said.
“My privacy from us disclosing to someone who’s been pre-charged to act as a supervisor has been breached.”
The Red Cross immediately issued a written apology: “On behalf of the Australian Red Cross, I am sorry that a person to whom you disclosed information about yourself passed that information on to the supervisor of the tea rooms. That should not have occurred.”
Johnson and his aunt will seek financial compensation; have demanded the supervisor be removed; and the Red Cross implement new training procedures for all volunteers.
Red Cross NSW executive director Lewis Kaplan said new training procedures would be in place by the end of the week, but would not comment on the supervisor’s future.
“From our perspective, a particular volunteer was ill-informed about her expectation of communicable diseases,” he said. “What she should have done is seek advice from management. She didn’t do that and, as a result, things happened we acknowledge should not have happened.
“Our task now is to ensure volunteers are appropriately trained and understand what is required under the appropriate legislation.”
ACON CEO Stevie Clayton confirmed the organisation would design a training program for Red Cross volunteers covering HIV/AIDS awareness and anti-discrimination.
“There is a real lack of awareness and understanding about HIV in the general population, and there are lots of people who still think HIV can be passed on by sharing cutlery, or from mosquitoes,” Clayton said.
“People just don’t understand about HIV at all and they think they don’t know anyone with HIV, so they’re ignorant about how HIV can be transmitted or what people with HIV are like, and that leads to a lot of discrimination.”
The Red Cross has invited Johnson’s aunt to return to work at the tea house, an offer she is keen to accept.
“I am worried about going back. I’m a bit concerned about how they’re going to react, but I will try and soldier on,” she said. “What I want is for other people to come out and stick up for themselves and let their anger out.”
Positive Life CEO Rob Lake also encouraged other victims of discrimination to come forward.
“Two people affected have stood up to the Red Cross and said ‘No, that’s not acceptable’. It took courage and, because of that, we know and can act to support them,” he told Sydney Star Observer.
“We want people who experience [discrimination] and people who discriminate to know that organisations like Positive Life, ACON, the HIV/AIDS Legal Centre, will challenge it where we see it.
“It takes courage to act but it brings change.”
What a load of rubbish Ben. If this was on the basis of race the manager would of been sacked.
There is still a great deal of ignorance regarding HIV and the gay population but I’m surprised a Red Cross chapter wouldn’t be well informed in this instance.
Dave – the Red Cross made an exemplary response to an appalling incident. I wish every organisation that had a similar issue responded so quickly and comprehensively.
Regarding disciplinary procedures, you clearly don’t understand people facing disciplinary procedures also have rights, both in the industrial awards covering the Red Cross and through the Industrial Relations Commission.
Not one cent of my hard-working money will ever in my lifetime go to the red cross!!!!
Who would trust the Red Cross. They are always asking for money for earthquake victims, bush fire victims, Tsumania victims and bali bombing victims. They never send all the money. There is never a list published of what the staff at Red Cross particularly Senior Management and those that get the trips overseas what they donate and how much money the spend on air fares and hotel accommodation out of donated money.
Hi CC,
Firstly your post is not original – as it is a direct copy of Ross’s – maybe why your nic name is CC.. Either or as stated to Ross, not everything has been published, and unfortunately that leaves people like yourself without full facts, and until I can, as I am not a liberty to discuss every little detail – though make no mistake, when I have the green light I will.
I note that all of the respondents, other than Richard, have confused the blood ban with this volunteer’s experience. In other words, you’re just looking for an excuse to have a go at the Red Cross. As for Richard, the issue was plainly between your aunty and her individual supervisor. Once it was brought to the Red Cross’ attention, they did all they could to rectify it. What part of that requires suing for financial compensation, as noted in the article? The Christian thing to do would be to accept the apology, forgive and move on. And yes, I feel terrible for you and your aunty that you both had to go through that experience. But every organisation has some less than perfect individuals, so don’t blame the organisation as a whole.
How is our anger misdirected?
What counseling did the manager at Red Cross get for example? A phone call? This should constitute disciplinary action as it says “fuck off you homo loving volunteer!”. Lets not mistake what has happened and the bad response from Red Cross. A monopoly operator of the blood supply market in Australia who has a history of discriminating against our community, and saying truly horrific things that have promoted hate and violence against us, as seen in the recent case of discrimination in Tasmania.
Counseling can consist of a phone call or even coffee and chat. Red Cross has not taken any disciplinary action against the manager involved who committed an appalling act against a volunteer. Volunteers deserve to be treated better then this from Red Cross, and not targeted if they care for people who have HIV or AIDS.
Red Cross has yet to take this seriously. Our outrage is justified at what has been a disgusting response from Red Cross. Further I would like the false and misleading advertising taken down as not anyone can give bloody, can they?
This is an abomination! Thank you for reporting on this story.
Rich, I understand the other commenters very well as I’ve been in their shoes, more than they could ever know in fact, however that doesn’t mean their misdirected anger shouldn’t be pointed out. Especially when it affects many good people in a charity that helps so many others.
Ross, That answer I will leave for HALC to answer for you.
Also forgiveness is a christian thing to do – no debate there. Appreciate you feel terrible for us, who wouldn’t????? One would have to be a monster not too!!
Though feeling terrible for an issue that is not your own, or owned by oneself – is not the same benchmark, and or close to experiencing the trauma directly, that I am sure you can appreciate.
Also appreciate not all facts have been publicised, and I am not at liberty to discuss them either.
The people ( public ) above also clearly have felt direct discrimination and for whatever reason, know that it does more than hurt, know it is more than a fleeting comment, know puncture wounds take many forms of medication to heal.
I may further ask Ross, the compassion shown, either small or large, is the same you could afford to others here, who clearly are angry and upset themselves for their very own personal reasons.
I for one understand (all) the above post writers.
Rich
Red Cross acted swiftly and comprehensively on the complaint, which originated in the actions of a volunteer.
They apologised and put in place measures to ensure it does not happen again.
Most organisations accused of homophobia react by defending, denying and clamping up.
I note that all of the respondents, other than Richard, have confused the blood ban with this volunteer’s experience. In other words, you’re just looking for an excuse to have a go at the Red Cross. As for Richard, the issue was plainly between your aunty and her individual supervisor. Once it was brought to the Red Cross’ attention, they did all they could to rectify it. What part of that requires suing for financial compensation, as noted in the article? The Christian thing to do would be to accept the apology, forgive and move on. And yes, I feel terrible for you and your aunty that you both had to go through that experience. But every organisation has some less than perfect individuals, so don’t blame the organisation as a whole.
Doctors can have HIV and work.
The Australian Red Cross has a culture of hate towards people who are gay. If they implemented there policy of non discrimination I think the CEO and Board would have to resign. This was best expressed in Tasmania where the Red Cross told a hearing about discrimination that most of us have unsafe sex and heterosexuals do not. The Australian Christian Lobby has been quoting them. The Red Cross focus on the sexuality and not risky behavior of those giving blood.
If you donate your organs when you die, often it cannot be established if you are gay, so your organs are transplanted with your blood. That is the great irony about the Red Cross discrimination. It is not based on reality, just a culture of hate, pure and utter hate of people who are gay.
The Red Cross was the one who had a test for blood but chose not to use it to save money. They were the ones who to save a few dollars on the test exposed people to HIV. Let us not forget the early days of AIDS and what the Red Cross did.
Rather then deal with facts and science, the Red Cross has a history of operating in ignorance. We should all be outraged at any hint of discrimination. The Red Cross has refused to address the culture they have from the Board Down. Risky behavior exist in the heterosexual community, and the facts are they do not get tested as much as we do.
… now, how can we help Samoa withOUT the Red Cross?
Rob Lake and all have courage in abundance … built from loads of little steps.
Lack of education is the cause and when working with the red cross you would expect to be dealing with all walks of life with all sorts of conditions, diseases, contraindications, flus, colds Blah The list can go on forever with “things to fear” How bloody sad! I have seen the effect with these two lovelies involved and to say I was P*$$ed is an understatement. So on that note, this situation has been incredibly helpful as staff has been trained as they should have been all along. Bless the one who copped the brunt of this, It was an emotional turmoil for them but the out come is fab…..Smilies all round to a happy, educated and accepting future with the Red Cross which is so necessary with the work they do. One great step I say!
“not their policy”- yes that’s true, but they have a “culture” of treating gays differently by thier “policy” of banning monogamous same sex couples from donating blood.
Ross! Without getting into a debate on the issue as the issue at hand is just horrid.
It is NO organisations policy to discriminate on the grounds of Disability, Faith, Sexual Preference, Marital status etc etc.. However It must be acknowledged that whether policy or not – policy can not pre determine peoples own world view on things, regardless of policy and or education.
The fact we have legislation in place to prevent such horrid things from individuals whom represent organisations from happening, proves beyond reasonable doubt, that regardless of legislation, policy, training and education -Discrimination does indeed factually happen regularly.
It is only when such cases are brought to attention, that something is done. The out-rage experienced on this thread is in my personal opinion no knee jerk at all, it is exactly what both aggrieved persons felt and in fact the article clearly suggests allot more. Indeed the aggrieved are still healing today and will be way into the future from the incident, as it was clearly horrid for both the carer and the person being cared for.
The homophobia statement is indeed linked to the case, and can not be removed – as in the greater west – HIV/AIDS is seen as a gay disease still in this day and age.
For the most part people living in the Darlinghurst/City environments or working regularly within the City parameters whom are exposed to many different issues are educated via exposure daily, and therefore are somewhat aware.
There will be eventually a positive outcome to this case, and the hope that people with NO real HIV/Aids education will now have it, and with hope, lets hope the people now to be trained can now pass on this valued information to their own relatives, friends and associates whom may not have known the above, and had/have been ignorant themselves of: HIV/AIDS – OH&S – Food Handling – Anti Discrimination legislation.
Will this guarantee that discrimination of any kind with in any work place and or organisations will never happen again = No Way.. Though it is a big start to grow a community that may of not been personally touched by such things, now know such things.
With a tiny bit of compassion ( which is hard for me ) we are talking about elderly women, who did not do the correct thing at all, which has been acknowledged. However lets not forget for one moment, if the training above, including management training had been put into place, the likelihood of the incident taking place probably would have been nil.
Therefore ultimate responsibility must fall upon the organisation for failing terribly to install such training and education to their own volunteers, which would also fall under duty of care.
The article clearly states the aunty is looking forward to returning to work, as the aunty loves what work the aunty performs for the organisation and misses the social aspect of the work place.
The nephew who was/is the target of the discrimination has absolutely no problem with his aunty returning to work at the organisation, and hopes the legal outcome, training and education process is swift, and is acceptable so all can start the healing process with hope and honour..
How do I know these facts I am the Nephew.
Richard
Hey Ross your entitled to your say & opinion and I respect that but did you know even before this story was even printed Red Cross has always had a Policy that gay men are not permitted to donate blood if they have engaged in “Homosexual Sex” with in the last 12 months.In other words their saying “Hey Breeders we don’t care if you have had 4 different one-night stands in the last month COME IN! but to gay men (even if their in a Monagamous Relationship,ahem Fuck off”
I know as its happened to close respectable friends who wished to do the right thing and donate blood “At Parramatta Red cross” but after filling out the APPLICATION FORMS they were rejected and it didn’t matter if they have clean blood and are happily in a Monagamous relationship ,they were simply told to shove off by the nurse.Thankyou
Ross,
“Red Cross NSW executive director Lewis Kaplan said new training procedures would be in place by the end of the week,”
New training procedures??? Because the old ones weren’t up to scratch. strike 1.
“but would not comment on the supervisor’s future.” Strike 2.
And a ban on gay men donating blood (even the monogamous ones) simply because they are gay men but allow heterosexual men who have numerous sexual partners and dont use condoms to donate blood. Strike 3.
Did any of you “outraged” people read the article? The Red Cross has said it’s not their policy, they’ve counselled the manager who let the volunteer go, they’ve installed training procedures to make sure it doesn’t happen again, and they’ve invited the volunteer to resume her position. How does any of that make the Red Cross “homophobic”? The emotional knee jerking from some segments of the gay community really lets the rest of us down.
i’m appauled by the red cross once again. it angers me every time they beg for blood donors and refuse to accept mine. i’ve always had regular blood tests and am in a long term monogamous relationship but it seems my blood isn’t good enough. i live in the city and am sick of being accosted by red cross volunteers and their clipboards wanting to sign me up for regular direct debits from my account. i tell them “if my blood isn’t good enough then either is my money”
ABSOLUTLY SHOCKING AND SAD!
I used to donate money (and blood in the 60s, 70s and 80s) regularly to the Red Cross, but these days no more. It might seem mean-spirited as they do good work, but I just no longer wish to support homophobic organisations such as this, the Salvation Army etc.
I donated $500 to the Red Cross last year and I feel sick about it after reading this. Next time I’ll find a charity that’s knowledgeable & non-discriminatory. Shocking.
hmmmmmmm. ACON is preparing a training package on HIV awareness for an organisation in the business of blood supply. Is there something wrong with this scenario??? Shouldn’t the Red Cross already be on top of this issue???? It’s 2009 for christ’s sake! No wonder they don’t allow monogamous gay men to donate blood. their knowledge of transmission of infectious diseases is seriously lacking. I hope that their knowledge and practise is up to date in other areas…..
Unfortunately it seems OK for the Red Cross to actively discriminate, after all gay men still cannot donate blood because we are “too high risk of HIV”, of course everyone with HIV is gay…. no one straight has unprotected sex… I wasn’t even allowed to donate blood when I was a virgin, I must be able to get HIV by osmosis… disgusting in this day and age when they are whining about the need for blood donors.
To quote Kaz Cooke “get a grip people – and I don’t mean a new handbag”.
Outrageged
let us take one another take one in need….
hedberg
boston
i am outragaged, that a women/mother/ takes cares of some one and is outcasted….
How dare….
We need more good people to take care…
And not Discrimate..
Hedberg