LGBTQ+ Donors
Change is coming soon!
The American Red Cross is committed to achieving an inclusive blood donation process that treats all potential donors with equality and respect. On May 11, 2023, the FDA issued final guidance regarding an individual donor assessment for all blood donors regardless of gender or sexual orientation. The Red Cross celebrates the elimination of blood donation policies that are based on sexual orientation and also recognizes there is more work to be done to make blood donation more inclusive.
The Red Cross is committed to implementing the FDA’s new final guidance as quickly as possible. The Red Cross is currently working on changes to our regulated processes that will allow those who were previously ineligible to give in the future, in alignment with the new donor criteria. At this time, the below eligibility information remains accurate until the Red Cross is able to implement the changes. Once the Red Cross is able to implement the new guidance, the information on this LGBTQ+ Donors page will be updated at that time. You can also view the Red Cross statement on the final FDA guidance.
American Red Cross Values
- Our top priority is the safety of our volunteer blood donors and the patients in need of lifesaving blood products. Our employees and volunteers are trained to be sensitive to the needs of all potential blood donors.
- The American Red Cross 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 understand that there is a difference between biological sex and gender. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidance, “Revised Recommendations for Reducing the Risk of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Transmission by Blood and Blood Products” 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.