LGBTQ+ Donors - Blood Donation More Inclusive

Maybe you’ve heard the good news: Blood donation is now more inclusive! Recent changes to Food and Drug Administration guidelines on donor eligibility have led to an individual donor assessment (IDA) screening process which asks all donors the same eligibility questions regardless of gender or sexual orientation, so they will be assessed for blood donation based on individual risk factors, not on sexual orientation.

These scientifically informed changes have allowed more people to donate healthy, lifesaving blood and keep the blood supply safe. Doug Anderson and Daniel Bennet, a married couple in Virginia, were thrilled to be able to give blood Aug. 7, 2023.

“We are a married couple, and we decided today – the first day that gay men are potentially eligible to give blood – we wanted to show our support and contribute to the mission and let others in the community know that it’s a new era in giving blood,” said Doug.

Doug was a first-time blood donor, but his husband, Daniel, wasn’t new to the process. “I was able to give blood previously, and it’s been many, many years since I’ve been able to give,” said Daniel. “This is something that I feel very proud to be able to do and to represent our community.”

The American Red Cross celebrates this historic move as significant progress and remains committed to achieving an inclusive blood donation process that treats all potential donors with equality and respect while maintaining the safety of the blood supply. Whether you’re brand new to donating or excited to finally come back, the Red Cross is excited to welcome you.

Interested in learning more? Check out the LGBTQ+ Donors page or the Donor Eligibility page for more information. Want to join in celebrating this historic moment? Schedule your next donation appointment now!

All are welcome in the mission of the Red Cross whether you are able to donate blood or not. Learn more about our other lines of service and how to get involved at redcross.org.