rights
Queer male blood donations are way up now after changing to new risk assessment model
By Greg Owen at LGBTQ Nation
· May 30, 2026
· 1 min read
Blood donations in England are way up, as the National Health Service benefits from eligibility changes that have brought more gay and bisexual men to their local donation sites. A recent survey found that 7.5% of male blood donors now report that they're bisexual, gay, pansexual, queer, bicurious,
Key takeaway Blood donations in England are way up, as the National Health Service benefits from eligibility changes that have brought more gay and bisexual men to their local donation sites.
Why this matters
The increase in queer male blood donations in England following the introduction of a new risk assessment model highlights the potential for evidence-based policies to promote inclusivity while maintaining safety. By shifting the focus from sexual orientation to individual risk factors, the National Health Service has created a more equitable system that allows more gay and bisexual men to donate blood. This change is significant, as it not only increases the pool of potential donors but also helps to reduce stigma and promote a sense of community among LGBTQ+ individuals. The fact that other countries, including Australia and the US, have also adopted similar individualized risk assessments suggests a growing recognition of the need for more nuanced and inclusive approaches to blood donation. As New Zealand prepares to follow suit, it will be important to monitor the impact of these changes on blood safety and donation rates, and to consider how they might inform policies in other areas where LGBTQ+ individuals face discrimination.
About this story
Original reporting by LGBTQ Nation . LGBTQ News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit LGBTQ Nation . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: rights ·
Published: May 30, 2026 ·
Source: LGBTQ Nation ·
Reading time: 1 min
Get more LGBTQ News stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering rights and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Blood donations in England are way up, as the National Health Service benefits from eligibility changes that have brought more gay and bisexual men to their local donation sites. A recent survey found that 7.5% of male blood donors now report that they're bisexual, gay, pansexual, queer, bicurious,
When was this published? This article was first published on May 30, 2026 by LGBTQ Nation and curated for LGBTQ News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Greg Owen at LGBTQ Nation. To learn more about how LGBTQ News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more rights coverage from LGBTQ News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .