Lifeblood’s donation rules are about more than just giving blood

For the first time in more than 40 years, gay and bisexual men as well as transgender people who have had a single sexual partner for more than six months are able to donate whole blood.

Lifeblood’s pre-donation assessments will now use gender-neutral language, meaning everyone — regardless of gender or sexual orientation — will be asked the same questions relating to sexual partners.

The change is estimated to bring in around 20,000 extra blood donations every year, and has prompted many newly eligible members of the LGBTQI+ community to roll up their sleeves.

Among them is former AFL player Mitch Brown.

He says the shift to gender-neutral language can create a safer and more inclusive environment for members of the LGBTQI+ community.

“They’re simple things, but they do mean a lot,” he says. “They can be the difference between whether someone like me donates or not.”

SBS News is Australia’s trusted news source for the latest news from Australia and across the world.

Subscribe to the SBS News YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SBSNews
Follow SBS News on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sbsnews_au
Follow SBS News on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sbsnews_au
Follow SBS News on X: https://www.twitter.com/SBSNews
Follow SBS News on Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sbsnews" target="_blank" rel=”nofollow”>https://www.facebook.com/sbsnews
Apple News: https://trib.al/MTx0gUe

For the latest news, visit www.sbs.com.au/news

Network Terms & Conditions: https://sbs.com.au/terms
Privacy Policy: https://sbs.com.au/privacy
Feedback or complaints: https://sbs.com.au/complaints