From July 2025, Australian Red Cross is changing its rules to allow more LGBTQIA+ people to donate plasma. Gay, bisexual, other men who have sex with men, as well as trans and gender-diverse people will now be able to donate if they have one regular sexual partner.

This is a big step forward in tackling stigma in healthcare. In the past, many LGBTQIA+ people were not able to donate because of health policies that treated them differently. These changes have come after years of people speaking up, asking for change, and updated science about blood safety.

These new rules apply to plasma only (not whole blood), but it’s still seen as progress for inclusion in donation policies.

Learn more: abc.net.au/news/2025-06-18/red-cross-loosens-rules-for-lgbtqia-plasma-donation/105430414