LGBTQ+

All donors, regardless of gender 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?

One is 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?

Potential donors who have had a new sexual partner or more than one sexual partner and had anal sex in the past three months would be temporarily deferred from donation.

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 be subject to a three-month deferral: those taking injectable PrEP will be deferred for two years from the date of the most recent dose. This deferral 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 will be 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 will be asked of all donors.

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

Following FDA guidelines, there is no deferral for how a donor identifies, as donors can self-identify gender selection. The deferral criteria still apples 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?

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 one-on-one.