Sexual orientation and gender identity in organ and tissue donation and transplantation

Discriminatory policies in organ and tissue donation and transplantation systems are negatively affecting sexual orientation and gender identity-diverse populations, including LGBTQ+ people. These policies were created in response to the HIV crisis in the 1980s, but now exclude or restrict potential donors based on their sexual orientation or gender identity, rather than evidence-based behavioral factors. These policies stigmatize and reduce the donor pool for all patients, creating inequities and promoting mistrust. Revision of these policies is urgently needed to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion, and improve outcomes for SOGI-diverse people in OTDT systems.