Stephen Gisselbrecht, a research specialist in the Division of Genetics, first donated blood when he was in high school in the 1980s. But when he attempted to donate again in college, the situation had changed: After coming out as gay, he was no longer eligible because of his sexuality.
In May 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration dropped its 40-year exclusion of sexually active gay and bisexual men as eligible blood donors.
“This policy change has been long overdue in welcoming everyone who wishes to contribute to our collective humanitarian mission,” says Sean Stowell, MD, PhD, medical director of the Kraft Family Blood Donor Center, vice chair of the Division of Transfusion Medicine, and medical director of the Transfusion Service at the Brigham. “We’re proud to join blood banks across the country in treating all potential blood donors with equity and respect while ensuring a safe, sufficient blood supply for patients in need.”
Gisselbrecht, who became the center’s first new donor under the expanded criteria, says, “I’m just happy to be able to help out. I hope it makes people feel less stigmatized and that it increases the blood supply.”
With the revised guidance, the center screens all eligible donors through an individual risk-based questionnaire, regardless of sexual orientation, sex, or gender. To arrange to give blood or platelets, call 617 632 3206 or email blooddonor@partners.org.
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Where Blood and Platelet Donations Go
Source: Brigham Blood Bank