Who you are could be exactly what someone needs.
You are one of a kind. That's exactly why we need you.
Our mission began with an act of love, and love continues to drive everything we do. Each day, we are inspired by the countless expressions of love we witness. We celebrate those who love freely and openly, sharing their joy and vibrancy with the world.
In a world often marked by division, we are proud to witness the deep compassion and generosity that love inspires. Stories from across the spectrum remind us that our shared bonds are far more significant than our superficial differences. No matter your race, gender, creed, or sexual orientation, what truly matters is our capacity to connect and empathize with others.
There is a common misconception that LGBTQ+ individuals cannot join the blood stem cell registry and donate. This is false. We welcome everyone aged 18-55, regardless of sexual orientation. Who you are could be exactly what someone needs.
FAQs
Q. I am transgender, non-binary, genderqueer, gender fluid, or agender. Can I donate my stem cells?
A. Yes, gender non-conforming individuals can donate stem cells! Your gender identity does not disqualify you from being a stem cell donor. Currently our database is being changed to give registrants the option to select neutral salutations, however, reporting your assigned sex at birth is relevant for the matching process and must be provided.
Q. I am intersex, can I donate my stem cells?
A. Yes, intersex individuals can register as donors! There are no donor eligibility criteria related to being intersex.
Q. As a gay man, I thought I couldn’t donate my blood or stem cells?
A. As a gay man, you may have heard about restrictions on blood donation, but donating stem cells is different and more inclusive. The restrictions on blood donation for men who have sex with men are often due to policies aiming to reduce the risk of transfusion-transmitted infections. However, DKMS and many other stem cell registries do not automatically exclude gay men from donating stem cells. The primary concern, no matter if someone is gay or not, is ensuring the donor is healthy and that the stem cells are safe for the recipient.
Q. I am HIV positive; can I donate my stem cells? Will I be asked about my HIV status when I register?
A. If you are HIV positive, you are not eligible to donate stem cells. This is because the HIV virus can be transmitted through stem cell transplants, posing a significant risk to recipients who are often already in a vulnerable health state. In fact, when you are about to register yourself as stem cell donor, you’ll be asked to fill a consent form where you have to disclose your medical history, including your HIV status. This is part of the standard screening process to ensure the safety of both donors and recipients. However, this does not deter you from supporting DKMS. You can participate in fundraising activities, volunteer your time, raise awareness, and encourage others to register as stem cell donors. Additionally, even liking and sharing our social media posts can significantly help spread awareness and support our mission.
Q. I take PrEP- can I register as a donor?
A. You can register as a donor if you take PrEP. If you are identified as a match, it is up to you if you wish to proceed with the donation process. This will involve stopping taking the drug for a period of time pre-donation.