With Our Blood is a movement to mobilize GBT2Q* people and allies against Canada’s discriminatory blood donation ban.
Currently, the ban requires complete sexual abstinence with same-sex partners for 3 months before a GBT2Q person can donate blood. Denying an act of altruism based on your gender identity, gender expression or sexual orientation is simply wrong!
Especially when the scientific community confirms that a change is possible.
We fight
for equality
We save
more lives
Our approach
We ask you to take a pledge of solidarity to become a donor of blood, plasma or any other human biological products as soon as the restriction is lifted. Period.
Our goal
To quantify the contribution that the GBT2Q communities could have in the supply of human biological products to convince Health Canada to change their policies once and for all.
Our requests
By signing this solidarity pledge you will contribute to:
Fight systemic discrimination
Health Canada must require a gender-neutral individual-based behaviour screening process that is identical for all donors. Regardless of their sex assigned at birth, gender identity, gender expression or sexual orientation. THANK YOU!
Undo the damage of institutional stigma
The federal government, Canadian Blood Services, and Héma-Québec must publicly recognize the psychological and reputational damage caused to diverse groups (gay, bisexual, queer, trans, Two-Spirit, non-binary as well as on BIPOC) and the repercussions on the general public’s perception toward these communities.
We ask them to develop:
• reparation activities with communities to restore trust.
• educational campaigns aimed at undoing stereotypes of these communities.
Transform the governance of blood agencies in Canada
It is impossible to envision an inclusive and egalitarian future for all under the current governance and management models of Héma-Québec and Canadian Blood Services given the current lack of diversity amongst its members.
Out of a total of 50 members for the two agencies, 49 people are white. This only represents 2% of diversity inclusion...
To transform discriminatory, homophobic, transphobic, and racist practices, equity-seeking groups must be at the decision-making table to impact the review process of Health Canada policies.
Our demands:
• increase the representation of BIPOC, LGBT2Q+, and blood recipient communities.
• develop a framework of expertise focused on intersectionality.
With Our Blood recognizes the incredible and necessary work of frontline workers at blood agencies and as a community, we look forward to contributing to supply efforts.
Get Involved!
By signing the solidarity pledge form, I confirm my intention to become a donor of human biological products (blood, plasma, others) following the withdrawal of the 3-month ban.
Also, I support the requests of With Our Blood aimed at Héma-Québec, the Canadian Blood Services, and the Federal Government to apologize publicly for their discriminatory policies, to set up awareness campaigns aimed at undoing stereotypes in the Canadian population, and to transform the board of directors and senior management to ensure diverse representation.
Raise your
voice!
With Our Blood proudly endorses the All Blood is Equal Campaign and invites you to use their email platform to demand change from elected officials and federal decision makers.
We believe that by joining forces, we have a greater chance to effect change!
Educate
yourself
In bad
blood!
With Our Blood recognizes that Héma-Québec, Canadian Blood Services, and Health Canada by perpetuating systemic discrimination has fueled racism against the black community, represented men who have sex with men as deviant, amplified gender inequalities for trans people, stigmatized sex workers, and much more.
It's time to tell you another side of the story.
Time to debunk
some myths
We still hear things like: "HIV is a homosexual’s disease:” “it affects drug addicts;” “it’s rare for straight people;” “when you get it you’re done …"
Over time, a multitude of false truths has been perpetuated by Héma-Québec, Canadian Blood Services, Health Canada, the media, and many more.
Let's sort this out.
Far Beyond
Blood
Héma-Québec and Canadian Blood Services, as well as their sister organizations almost entirely manage the supply of human biological products in Canada.
While the blood supply remains the most publicized, the needs are more complex and manifold than one might think.
Find out what removing the ban for GBT2Q could improve.
Shop
The funds raised from the sale of With Our Blood products will be used primarily for two purposes.
The first, to increase the visibility of the project in the media in order to publicize our requests. The second, to cover the costs surrounding the activities of the NPO, from legal incorporation to the management and development of other structuring projects.