Australia scraps LGBTQIA+ blood barriers to secure 20,000 extra donations yearly
Updated . First published
Australia's blood eligibility rules have been overhauled as of today, expanding access for the LGBTQIA+ community and unlocking thousands of extra donations.
The updated national guidelines remove sexual orientation as a barrier to donation.
Previously, many gay and bisexual men were barred from giving blood if they'd had sex within three months. Now, those in long-term monogamous relationships can donate under the same rules as everyone else.
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The updated national guidelines remove sexual orientation as a barrier to donation. Lifeblood
Lifeblood Chief Executive Officer Stephen Cornelissen AM said this was an important milestone for blood donation in Australia.
"Previous donor rules prevented many people from the LGBTQIA+ community from donating blood or platelets if they'd had sex within the past three months," Mr Cornelissen said.
"These latest changes mean many gay and bisexual men and transgender people in long-term, monogamous relationships will become eligible to donate blood or platelets for the first time."
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Several eligibility criteria must be met before you roll up your sleeve. Nikki Short
The refresh builds on earlier changes to sexual activity rules for plasma donation introduced in July 2025, which have already brought in around 3000 new donors and close to 10,000 donations.
Lifeblood's submission to change the criteria underwent assessment by the Therapeutic Goods Administration before being green-lit last year.
Patient safety remains the central consideration, with screening processes still in place for anyone whose recent sexual activity may carry a higher risk of infection. Some will still be unable to give blood immediately, but may be eligible to donate plasma.
Around 33,000 donations of blood, plasma and platelets are needed every week. Lifeblood
"We know previous rules have been difficult for people in the LGBTQIA+ community, so we'd like to thank them for their support during this journey towards a more inclusive donation experience."
Health authorities expect the overhaul to deliver a significant uptick in supply, with up to 20,000 additional blood donations forecast each year.
Around 33,000 donations of blood, plasma and platelets are needed every week to support patients undergoing cancer treatment, people with bleeding disorders, and those recovering from major trauma or accidents.
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