Prior to starting testosterone, I donated blood about as often as I could; I considered it an obligation, in a way, because I'm not afraid of needles and thus it was a minor inconvenience that accomplished a lot of good. Even after I started T, I continued donating up until I could no longer pass as female, since I still have an F on my ID.

I'm now in a situation where I'd love to keep donating -- both for others and for my own health, since it helps manage the red blood cell count that can sometimes creep up on T. However, I'd be required to come out as trans to any of the blood banks I used to frequent. Does anyone have any experience with this? I've done a lot of work with Red Cross, which seems rather strict, but there's a local organization I've used that might be a little more lax. I've read some horror stories online about the Red Cross banning transfolk, but some people haven't encountered any issues, so I'm curious about what y'all have experienced.

I think they would reject anybody if it was known that they took either "T" or "E"

I know they don't discriminate about hormone therapy, however, they get very weird about sex. Because of the whole gay men can't donate thing, and how there's no trans policy, it can be hit or miss whether they let you donate. It depends on where you go and even who you see based on what I've heard. I personally also used to donate blood as often as I could, however, I stopped because it was difficult for me because I'm so small, and now that I'm transitioning, I don't want to deal wit the complications.

I'm not sure where you are, but where I'm from its an automatic nope. I can't donate blood any longer due to being trans and having a few papers that still need fixing which I haven't been able to do yet. Its a shame too since I have a blood type that they generally love to take.

Because I had to declare my choice of partners, I am denied giving blood.
Doesn't matter than I'm post op, that we've been living together for two years.
One day, I hope to be able to donate.

I am not on T anymore and I've never donated blood before and I would like to do it so I can learn my blood type (otherwise doc don't tell me) What do they actually ask before you give blood? Can I get some info on this as well? I don't want anyone discriminating against me.

Quote from: makipu on February 10, 2015, 12:46:24 PM
I am not on T anymore and I've never donated blood before and I would like to do it so I can learn my blood type (otherwise doc don't tell me) What do they actually ask before you give blood? Can I get some info on this as well? I don't want anyone discriminating against me.

I was asked - can't recall the exact wording - but who do I have sex with.
While I hated this question, I do understand why they ask.
Seems a bit invasive, but then again, we are talking about blood going from one person to another.

My local blood bank told me that it abides by Red Cross guidelines: If you have a history of donating as a female and haven't been doing anything naughty such as taking teratogenic meds, traveling in the wrong areas, or having high-risk sex, then you can continue donating as a female. I put down that I was not a man who had had sex with men, and the screening nurse told me that I was correct to do so, since all of my sexual encounters prior to the donation were pre-transition. She said that the same response would be accurate even if I were later classified as male with the blood bank.

Because I had a prior history with the blood bank from when I was living as female, I was told that I would have to have bottom surgery if I wanted to donate as a male. I believe that I would have to provide proof, but don't quote me on that.

But someone on this forum who claimed to be an activist said that Red Cross rules had changed. I dunno. I was so humiliated when I donated that I refuse to put myself through it again, and I did not see anything like a press release or a statement of new policy on the Red Cross main site. You would have to call anonymously and ask.

Last time I looked, trans men with no prior history of donation could walk right in and donate as men. Nothing on the questionnaire prevented them or excluded them; AFAIK, this is still the case.

I would love more information on this from a trans man who donated pre-transition but who has not had bottom surgery.

Thank you both for the information. I am actually asexual and I don't currently take any medication except birth control pills to cease periods.  However do they check your insurance card (since it's health related) or ID/ or both?

Quote from: makipu on February 10, 2015, 10:36:51 PM
Thank you both for the information. I am actually asexual and I don't currently take any medication except birth control pills to cease periods.  However do they check your insurance card (since it's health related) or ID/ or both?

Only ID, never had to show insurance. I donated on birth control pills with no issue. If you haven't been sexually active (because I know some asexual people are) then you definitely shouldn't have issue donating at the Red Cross.

Quote from: Muffinheart on February 10, 2015, 05:01:22 AM
Because I had to declare my choice of partners, I am denied giving blood.
Doesn't matter than I'm post op, that we've been living together for two years.
One day, I hope to be able to donate.

My partner is blocked from giving blood as well since he's gay. Even if I had my papers all fixed and right as rain and the clinic lost my old paperwork I still couldn't give blood, despite being with only one partner for a decade.

I appreciate the information and discussion, everyone. That was kind of what I had expected and feared; it sounds like I just won't know for sure until I ask. Donating blood became very uncomfortable as my transition progressed, because I had to present myself as female and was referred to/treated as a woman the whole time I was there. Eventually, T rendered that impossible, so that's why I've stayed away. It's frustrating just how much of an impact being trans can have on your life, even with an act of charity like this.

Absoultely NOT true.   I have donated regularly for years while taking regular testosterone shots, and I clearly state that on the forms and in talking to the intake person.  It's never been a problem.

Of course I'm a genetic male and have never had sex with a (gay) man.  That's what they are mostly concerned with.

There are different questions for men and women and you have to state your sex, so that may bring up some questions.

Quote from: mac1 on February 09, 2015, 11:42:18 PM
I think they would reject anybody if it was known that they took either "T" or "E"

Quote from: makipu on February 10, 2015, 10:36:51 PM
Thank you both for the information. I am actually asexual and I don't currently take any medication except birth control pills to cease periods.  However do they check your insurance card (since it's health related) or ID/ or both?

Here in Canada they ask a huge list of questions about sexual history that I could answer all at once just by saying I'm a complete virgin (never more than a peck of a kiss from anyone) but I've been told they have a policy of "every question, every time, to everyone". Just sit back and count the blessings that being an asexual gives (no worries about past encounters).

They also ask to see ID and your donor card.