LGBTQ+ – American Red Cross Minnesota and Dakotas Region

One year ago, the American Red Cross implemented updated Food and Drug Administration guidance that eliminated donor eligibility questions based on sexual orientation.

Meet Kaleb, an amazing Red Cross blood collection technician in the Minnesota and Dakotas Region. As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, he’s on a mission to spread the word about how blood donation rules have changed to be more inclusive while keeping the blood supply safe. His rally call to action is loud and clear – “Roll up a sleeve and let your pride shine through every drop, show your rainbow strength and help save lives by donating blood,” he says.

“Roll up a sleeve and let your pride shine through every drop, show your rainbow strength and help save lives by donating blood.”

First inspired by his grandmother, a Red Cross nurse in the early 2,000’s, Kaleb became a blood donor when he was 17 years old and now donates blood and platelets. “I’m passionate about helping others, and blood donation is one great way to do that – I’ve donated 15 units so far,” he says.

Kaleb has turned his passion for helping others into a dream job where he quite literally helps save lives every day. “I know the blood we’re collecting helps save lives or gives patients more time with their loved ones,” says Kaleb, whose best friend’s mother needed blood during her battle with cancer. “I also love interacting with donors, especially first-time donors, who I can walk through the blood donation process and make them less nervous.”

Kaleb outside a Red Cross bloodmobile advocating for blood donation. Photo submitted.

Thanks to updated FDA guidelines, more people are now eligible to donate blood through a new inclusive screening process that expands donor eligibility and eliminates questions based on sexual orientation. “I hope that I am able to build awareness of this change so more people in the LGBTQ+ community know that they might be eligible to donate and make a difference too.”

Since the Red Cross implemented this change on August 7, 2023, countless newly eligible individuals have rolled up their sleeves to give blood, host blood drives and volunteer in the blood services mission of the American Red Cross.

A very excited Kaleb finishes his blood donation. Photo submitted.

Check out stories, including Kaleb’s, of the newly eligible donors who are now giving blood and hosting blood drives with the Red Cross on the Red Cross LGBTQ+ Blood Donor page. Be sure to check out the Interactive Story Map.