Introducing pflag Canada’s “Inclusive Donor Awareness Campaign for 2SLGBTQIA+ Communities” Project!

December 1, 2024

Thanks to a recent grant, pflag Canada is launching Inclusive Donor Awareness Campaign for 2SLGBTQIA+ Communities—a national campaign aimed at empowering our 2SLGBTQIA+ communities with knowledge about Canadian Blood Services’ updated donor eligibility criteria.

Canadian Blood Services has made important changes to its donor eligibility criteria, particularly impacting 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals. With this campaign, we’re focused on increasing awareness of these updates by providing accessible, evidence-based resources. Together, we’ll dispel myths, highlight policy changes, and support greater inclusion in blood and plasma donation!

“Parts of our mandate at pflag Canada include Education and Advocacy, something we strive to continually improve upon. This is an opportunity to partner with two incredible organizations that will directly improve and save the lives of Canadians.” said Christa Duvall (they/she), pflag Canada’s Board President.

This Project is led by Chris Kennedy (he/him), pflag Canada’s Board Secretary; and Vash Ebbadi-Cook (he/they), pflag Canada’s Board Director, and runs through to the end of April 2025.

“As a teenager, blood donation was really important to me. I was a regular donor, having reached more than 15 blood donations and dutifully collected all of my pins. This changed for me when I came out as queer and became sexually active. Asking 2SLGBTQIA+ folx to choose between their sense of duty to help those in need of blood and plasma for life-saving care versus their identities has been a lingering injustice for decades.” said Vash Ebbadi-Cook (he/they), pflag Canada National Board Director.  Ebbadi-Cook went on to say, “With the recent changes to donor eligibility working toward a more inclusive screening and donation process, I’m hopeful that 2SLGBTQIA+ folx can feel confident that they can help those in need without discrimination. I’m proud to be part of this project and continue to advocate for progressive change in the blood and plasma donation system in Canada.”

This project isn’t just about sharing information; it’s about uplifting voices and stories within our community. Throughout the project, we’ll share personal experiences from our project members and other stakeholders, bringing a human touch to this important initiative. The Project will include educational resources and events designed to be both engaging and informative.  Flyers, brochures, and posters tailored for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities will be made available to our network of Chapter Leads across the country, as well as available for distribution at on-site events.  Plans are underway to host virtual panel discussions or webinars where experts will dive into the updates in donor policies and discuss 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion in blood donation; as well as hosting targeted important conversations with medical professionals and health authorities in Canada.  Together, we can build awareness and inspire positive change.

To learn more about this Program, visit our publicly-accessible Resource page:  www.pflagcanada.ca/current-projects .

Additionally, you can email Chris Kennedy and Vash Ebbadi-Cook at projects@pflagcanada.ca .