After three decades of advocating for changes to Australia’s blood ban for gay and bisexual men, Rodney Croome donated blood for the first time today.
From today (Monday, April 20), new sexual activity rules for blood donations take effect.
These rules allow more gay, bisexual and transgender people in long-term monogamous relationships to donate blood.
Men will no longer be asked in the pre-donation questionnaire if they’ve recently had sex with a man.
Instead, all donors will be asked the same sexual activity questions, regardless of gender.
This change follows the removal of sexual activity rules for plasma donations in July 2025.
Activist Rodney Croome is the spokesperson for Let Us Give, Australia’s only dedicated group campaigning to lift the gay blood ban.
Today, he donated blood at the Devonport Lifeblood Collection Centre.
“After three decades of advocacy, and for the first time in my life, I was able to donate blood today,” Croome said.
“I donated because I want to help other Australians in need, but also because I want to encourage other gay, bisexual and transgender Australians to donate.”
Croome said that he “felt excited and proud at being able to give blood and make a difference.”
Image: Supplied‘I know some gay men are wary about donation’
Croome thanked all those who have advocated over the last thirty years for the gay blood ban to be lifted.
“Decades ago, when I first found out I couldn’t donate blood, I vowed to myself that when I could, I would.”
“Finally, that day has come,” he said.
“Every letter to Lifeblood, every discrimination complaint, every scientific paper and every kitchen table conversation has contributed to the lifting of the gay blood ban.”
“This has been a true grassroots movement.”
Under the changes, all donors will be asked the same questions about their sexual activity, regardless of their gender or sexuality.
This means most people in a sexual relationship of six months or more with a single partner will be eligible to donate blood.
Additionally, most people with new or multiple partners will also be able to donate blood if they have not had anal sex in the last three months.
“I know some gay men are wary about donation,” Croome said.
“They might have been turned away in the past, or feel resentment about the old ban.
“I want my donation to encourage newly-eligible donors to put all that behind us, roll up our sleeves and give the gift of life.”
Those ineligible to donate blood can donate plasma
Croome acknowledged that the changes for those who have not been monogamous are double those of other countries.
“There are still problems with the new donor regime,” Croome said.
“Those who may not have been monogamous in the recent past should not be subject to a six-month wait time.”
“Three months is considered more than enough in the UK, US and Canada. It should be here too.”
Most people in long-term monogamous relationships will be able to donate blood under the updated rules.
Many who remain ineligible will be able to donate plasma instead.
Photo: Lifeblood.Let Us Give will continue to work with Lifeblood towards ensuring global best-practice rules for gay blood donation.
The Kirby Institute is surveying the attitudes of gay and bisexual men toward blood donation now that it is eligible. Find out how to add your voice here.
“A big thank you to the staff at the Devonport Lifeblood Collection Centre for their support and to everyone who made this moment possible,” Croome said.
One in three Australians will rely on blood products at some point in their lives.
At present, only 1 in 30 Australians donates.
You can book a blood donation appointment under the new gender-neutral rules starting today, Monday, April 20, 2026.
To donate blood, visit www.lifeblood.com.au or call 13 14 95.
For the latest LGBTIQA+ Sister Girl and Brother Boy news, entertainment, and community stories in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
