Donating Blood

[GQjoey]

As most of you have probably seen on the news, a major bridge here in Minneapolis collapsed yesterday during rush hour. I grew up here, and it really hits "too close to home". Luckily me, my family, and friends, as far as I know weren't involved. There are still 20-30 people missing, 7 confirmed dead, and 79 injured. Things around here are pretty hectic, and my heart and prayers go out to all the families involved.

I've never donated blood before, but I set up an appt to go do so. I'm kind of nervous, not just because I HATE needles, but don't they need to know your "birth gender" so to speak? I hate going to the doctors just for the simple fact "omg they're going to know im a biological chick". But do you have to fill out paperwork and stuff, stating your birth gender? I just want to know ahead of time. I've wanted to donate blood in the past, but never did. As messed up as it sounds, under other circumstances I would avoid it so I wouldn't have to be "put on the spot". But in a time like this, I feel alright not worrying about a F or M on a piece of paper. I wanna do what I can to help the people in need.

So if anyone can give me a heads up on what needs to be known, I'd appreciate it.

[Nero]

i tried to once, but was denied due to my tracks. yes you have to fill paperwork out and be ready because being a biological female , some questions to fill out -

how many times have you given live birth
how many times have you been pregnant
have you ever had sex for money, drugs, or anything else
sexual orientation
rough estimate of sex partners

so yeah, be prepared to handle it
good luck buddy

good gesture you're making

[Sarah Louise]

They never asked questions like that when I used to give blood (way back in the dark ages).  I guess things change.


Sarah L.

[Dennis]

I never had to disclose my birth gender. And, fyi, testosterone is not a medication. They will ask you what medications you are on. No need to disclose testosterone.

If you pass and have your ID changed, then there shouldn't be a problem.

Dennis

[Nero]

Well, I suppose it's different in every area. There's a significant incidence of HIV in my area.
Could be the reason for all the personal info. Just be prepared either way.

Also, my area is very strict with that on sexual orientation. Everybody else is 'clean' so to speak except any man who has slept with another man since the year 1970.
My friend lied about that because he wanted to help and donate blood, and had been tested for HIV.

[Dennis]

Oh yeah, they still ask all the personal questions: have you slept with a man since 1978, have you paid someone for sex, have you used IV drugs. They don't ask your birth sex though.

Dennis

[Nero]

Well, it just has the male/female check boxes and then separate questions for males and females.
So, I suppose you could just check male provided you pass well enough. (Don't recall whether I had to show ID or not.) I mean they're not going to do a strip search.

[Andrew]

When I donated blood, I said I was a male, and they didn't demand ID. (I was in Massachusetts.) Good luck.

[freedomfromyself]

i've  been giving blood for several years now and the last time i went i was perplexed as they asked me if i was born a biological female...so i guess that's the new procedure...i'm not currently living as a male so it wasn't a big deal but...just thought i'd give u a heads up...