LGBTQ+

All donors, regardless of sex or sexual orientation, will be asked if they’ve had new and/or multiple sexual partners in the past three months.

Additional questions to determine eligibility will be asked, if applicable.

The deferral timeframe is three months from the last contact, if applicable.

I tried to donate blood and was not eligible because of a recent encounter. When will I be able to donate blood, plasma or platelets?

You are eligible to donate three months after the last anal sex sexual encounter with a new or multiple partner(s).

I practice safe sex. Can I donate blood?

Even when condoms and other contraceptives are used as a safe sexual practice, donor eligibility requirements still apply. Potential donors who have had anal sex with a new sexual partner or more than one sexual partner in the past three months would be temporarily deferred from donating blood, plasma or platelets.

I’m taking PrEP/PEP medications to prevent HIV infection. Can I donate blood?

Prospective donors taking oral medications like PrEP to prevent HIV transmission will not be eligible to donate for a period of three months: those taking injectable PrEP will need to wait to donate blood for two years from the date of the most recent dose. This eligibility criteria is for anyone taking the medication and is not based on any characteristic of the individual. It is one of many medications that can result in a person being deferred from donating blood.

Can those who identify as lesbian or as a bisexual woman donate blood?

Yes. In May 2023, the FDA updated its donor eligibility guidance with new questions related to sexual activity rather than gender. These questions are asked of all donors.

Can those who identify as gay or as a bisexual man donate blood?

Yes. In May 2023, the FDA updated its donor eligibility guidance with new questions related to sexual activity rather than gender. These questions are asked of all donors.

Can those who identify as transgender or as intersex donate blood?

Yes. Following FDA guidelines, how a donor identifies is not a qualifier for donation eligibility, as donors can self-identify gender selection. The deferral criteria still applies to having a new sexual partner or more than one sexual partner and had anal sex in the past three months.

I’m a man in a same-sex relationship for over 10 years. Can I donate blood?

Yes. A prospective donor who does not report having new or multiple sexual partners that included anal sex in the past three months may be eligible to donate, provided all other eligibility criteria are met.

I have more questions. Can you help?

Yes. Please call us at 800-366-2834 to speak confidentially one-on-one with a Carter BloodCare team member.