Gay and bisexual men in England are donating blood in larger numbers than ever. A rise followed updated eligibility criteria introduced in 2021 across England, Scotland, and Wales. In the 1980s, queer men were banned from donating blood to prevent HIV transmission after the AIDS crisis. In 2011, the ban was lifted, but donors had to follow strict rules, including abstaining from sex with another man for 12 months, later reduced to three months in 2017. A new survey of 8,744 male donors found 7.5% identified as gay, bisexual, pansexual, queer, bicurious, or sexually fluid, up from 1.4% in 2014. NHSBT and FAIR reported increased inclusivity while maintaining safety priorities.
"This landmark change to blood donation is safe and it will allow many more people, who have previously been excluded by donor selection criteria, to take the opportunity to help save lives."
"The survey statistics indicate more gay and bisexual men are now donating, it's very encouraging to see new donors coming to our centres and we try and make them very welcome."
"In the 1980s, queer men were completely banned from donating blood to prevent the transmission of HIV after the AIDS crisis. In 2011, the ban was then lifted, but queer men wanting to donate had to adhere to strict rules, including a requirement to abstain from having sex with another man for 12 months prior. That period was then reduced to three months in 2017."
"The new survey surrounding donations polled 8,744 male donors, and 7.5 percent identified themselves as gay, bisexual, pansexual, queer, bicurious or sexually fluid. The new figure shows a massive rise from a 2014 survey, which showed just 1.4 percent of those surveyed identified as such."
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