
CONTACTAbout UsCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2025 Equal Entertainment LLC.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
We need your help
Your support makes The Advocate's original LGBTQ+ reporting possible. Become a member today to help us continue this work.
Your support makes The Advocate's original LGBTQ+ reporting possible. Become a member today to help us continue this work.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is once again looking at changing its policy that bars men who have sex with men from donating blood.
HHS described the current policy as "suboptimal" and asked a group of experts, known as the Blood, Organ, and Tissue Safety Working Group, to look into ways of changing it. As it stands, any man who had sex with another man since 1977 cannot donate blood. A new policy could allow certain gay or bisexual men, possibly those who have abstained from homosexual sex for a certain time, to donate.
"This announcement by HHS means we're moving in the direction of finally ending this antiquated and discriminatory policy," Rep. Mike Quigley told the National Journal. "Senator [John] Kerry and I will continue to push for a behavior-based screening process both in the name of fairness and a safer blood supply."
Nbroverman
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
Watch Now: Pride Today
Latest Stories
Billie Jean King: Listen to transgender athletes
July 07 2025 8:49 PM
California defies Trump, won't ban trans athletes from school sports
July 07 2025 8:18 PM
Black and Latinx LGBTQ+ Texans find joy and hope at Drag University
July 07 2025 4:10 PM
Indiana church stands by sermons calling for the government to execute LGBTQ+ people
July 07 2025 3:10 PM
Idaho Attorney General tells schools to ban 'Everyone is Welcome Here' signs
July 07 2025 1:11 PM
David Archuleta on loving sexy crop tops & the skin he's in
July 07 2025 12:32 PM
Trending stories
Recommended Stories for You
Neal Broverman
Neal Broverman is the Editorial Director, Print of Pride Media, publishers of The Advocate, Out, Out Traveler, and Plus, spending more than 20 years in journalism. He indulges his interest in transportation and urban planning with regular contributions to Los Angeles magazine, and his work has also appeared in the Los Angeles Times and USA Today. He lives in the City of Angels with his husband, children, and their chiweenie.
Neal Broverman is the Editorial Director, Print of Pride Media, publishers of The Advocate, Out, Out Traveler, and Plus, spending more than 20 years in journalism. He indulges his interest in transportation and urban planning with regular contributions to Los Angeles magazine, and his work has also appeared in the Los Angeles Times and USA Today. He lives in the City of Angels with his husband, children, and their chiweenie.