What do we mean by "Gender-Diverse"?
Previously, we referred to this initiative as "trans & nonbinary blood donation" and some of our previous graphics and content reflect that. As we continued to research and build our argument on the topic, we wanted to use language that was inclusive of all individuals subject to this missing policy. This lead us to "gender-diverse" which can refer to a varying array of genders, including but not limited to transgender donors, non-binary donors, genderfluid, gender non-conforming, and more identities. When we use this term we seek to represent individuals other than cisgender donors.
Blood Donation
The updated blood donation eligibility criteria released on 5/11/2023 (which removed the MSM deferment or "queer blood ban") also removed all gendered language. In theory, this should remove barriers for trans & non-binary donors. However, this doesn't mean that the barriers are removed at all blood centers.
|
Can gender-diverse donors give blood?
Yes, as long as they haven't had anal sex with 2+ partners in the past 3 months, or take PrEP medications- the same criteria applied to all donors.
Queer trans men who participate in receptive vaginal sex are also no longer grouped with cis queer men who participate in anal sex, since vaginal sex has significantly lower risk of all STI transmission compared to anal intercourse. |
How does this impact potential donors?
In the 2015 eligibility criteria, the FDA included language that was supportive of blood donors who identified as either male or female, but this isn't every donor. There are currently no recommendations or guidelines from the federal government on the screening and testing of gender-diverse blood donors. The experiences at one facility can vary greatly from another. And with critical shortages nationwide, we can't afford to create unwelcoming and non-inclusive environments. But blood banks might not know what to do or how to implement best practices.
|
How does this impact recipients?Although the lack of a guidance for gender-diverse individuals impacts the donor initially, the assumption that all blood donors are cisgender has dangerous risks for recipients as well. Donors with a history of pregnancy are at a higher risk of HLA antibodies, which prevents them from donating plasma or platelets. However, if all male donors are assumed to be cis, or if all non-female identifying donors are assumed to be male, donors with a history of pregnancy could donate blood products with a high HLA antibody concentration, which can result in transfusion-related acute lung injuries in recipients.
|
What is Pride and Plasma Doing?
ResearchBackground: Gender, sex & gender, transitioning, current blood product shortages, current computer system limitations
Literature: Hormone replacement therapy, effect of exogenous hormones on circulatory system, publications on gender-diverse blood donors Risk: Human leukocyte antigen antibodies, transfusion-related acute lung injury, transfusion mortality incidence |
AdvocacyResearch Brief: Who are gender-diverse blood donors, the impact of hormones on the circulatory system, connections between assumptions of donor sex/gender and TRALI risk, current practices, recommendations. Sent to the FDA.
Public Brief: Includes additional background content including what is the cirulatory system and blood products, gender vs sex, history, what is the immune system, and more |
Practice ChangeRecs: ask all donors about a history of pregnancy, remove binary gender from screening procedures, create a universal hemoglobin scale, prmote practices and partnerships with individuals undergoing testosterone treatment. Include gender-diverse donors in the creation of these changes.
Policy Change: Submit our findings to the FDA, AABB, and individual blood banks |