LGBTQ Donors

All blood donors are required to meet FDA eligibility criteria to donate blood, every time. These eligibility criteria apply to all U.S. blood collection organizations.  Only an estimated 38 percent of the U.S. population is eligible to donate blood at any given time. However, less than 10 percent of that eligible population actually donates each year.  The gender-specific donation criteria and questions on the health history questionnaire are designed to ensure that the blood collection process is as safe as possible for the donors as well as for the recipients of blood. Learn more about blood donation eligibility.

During the pre-donation health history screening, the Red Cross uses a questionnaire that is developed by the blood industry’s professional organization, AABB, and approved by the FDA to assess an individual’s health history.  Health history questions are based on past and current behavior risks (for example: travel, medication, sexual activity, etc.) Sexual activity questions are based on specific behaviors, not on sexual orientation.  The words, “have sexual contact with” and “sex” are used in some of the questions, and apply to any sexual activities (vaginal, oral, or anal), regardless of whether a condom was used during the activity.

The FDA guidance “Revised Recommendations for Reducing the Risk of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Transmission by Blood and Blood Products” states, “Defer for 3 months from the most recent sexual contact, a man who has had sex with another man during the past 3 months.” All U.S. blood collection organizations must follow this federal requirement.  

The Red Cross recognizes the hurt this policy has caused to many in the LGBTQ+ community and believes blood donation eligibility should not be determined by methods that are based upon sexual orientation. We are committed to working with partners toward achieving this goal.

We continue to assist in evaluating alternative donor eligibility criteria and the expanded use of new technologies to work toward elimination of donor eligibility questions based on sexual orientation that would no longer be necessary.  However, as a regulated organization, we cannot unilaterally enact changes concerning the MSM deferral policy.

In order to gather data related to the possibility of using an individual risk assessment behavior-based health history questionnaire in the U.S., the Red Cross, along with One Blood, Vitalant and partner LGBTQ+ community health centers, are participating in a pilot study funded by the FDA in select cities that could potentially lead to changes for blood donor eligibility criteria for gay and bisexual men. The study is focused on evaluating alternatives to determining donor eligibility.  

This study is a first step in providing data that will help the FDA determine if a donor history questionnaire based on individual risk would be as effective as a time-based MAM deferral in reducing the risk of HIV in the blood supply. If the study’s scientific evidence supports the use of the different eligibility questions, it could lead to further efforts to change the MSM eligibility criteria. More information about this study is available at ADVANCEStudy.org.

There is no deferral for a woman who has had sex with another woman, and the individual may be eligible to donate blood. The Red Cross encourages individuals to learn more about blood donation eligibility.

The FDA revised guidance states, “In the context of the donor history questionnaire, FDA recommends that male or female gender be taken to be self-identified and self-reported.” This change allows blood donors to register with the gender in which they identify. The Red Cross will no longer ask donors to answer both male and female questions when attempting to donate. There is no deferral associated with being transgender, and eligibility will be based upon the criteria associated with the gender the donor has reported. See additional blood donation eligibility criteria.

Red Cross staff members are required to verbally confirm demographic information, including gender, with all presenting donors. This step helps ensure donor safety and accuracy of records. If Red Cross records have the incorrect gender, presenting donors may ask staff members to make the change upon registration. Individuals do not need to tell staff that they are transgender.  Individuals with specific questions about eligibility can contact the Red Cross Donor and Client Support Center at 1-866-236-3276.  

The FDA revised guidance states, “In the context of the donor history questionnaire, FDA recommends that male or female gender be taken to be self-identified and self-reported.” The FDA requires the Red Cross to have donors select either male or female. Individuals do not need to tell staff that they are intersex.

The Red Cross values all potential blood donors and understands that selecting either male or female may not align with how some individuals identify. The Red Cross also knows that there is a difference between biological sex and gender. The FDA revised guidance states, “In the context of the donor history questionnaire, FDA recommends that male or female gender be taken to be self-identified and self-reported.” The FDA requires the Red Cross to have donors select either male or female.

Individuals who do not have sex with another person may be eligible to donate blood. Learn more about blood donation eligibility.