The new policy will reduce the stigma around queer men and HIV/AIDS

Canadian Blood Sevices (CBS) has announced that by September 30, 2022, queer men will be eligible to donate blood. Previously, gay and bisexual men were not eligible to donate blood if they had been sexually involved with men within a three-month span. On April 28th, Health Canada approved the CBS submission to change screening policies. The updated policy includes universal screening criteria that encompasses everyone who has sex with men, rather than only queer men.

This means that regardless of gender or sexual orientation, each donor will be asked the same questions regarding their sexual health. Previously, screening questions regarding sexual activity was only asked to people in the LBGTQIA2S+ community.

Additionally, transgender donors will no longer be asked screening questions based on their sex assigned at birth. Non-binary donors will still be required to register with CBS in a binary gender.

In an interview with The Peak, acting director of Community Based Research Centre (CBRC), Micheal Kwag discussed the policy update. CBRC is a non-profit organization that “promotes the health of people of diverse sexualities and genders.” In their press release, CBRC stated that LGBTQIA2S+ communities have “have long faced challenges when it comes to our health and well-being.”

This article was written by Chloë Arneson and originally posted on The Peak. Please click HERE to read the full article.