Blood drives have a strong history in the LGBTQIA+ community. During the AIDS epidemic, when queer AMAB folks were rendered ineligible to donate blood, lesbians stepped up to fill the need with the creation of the Blood Sisters. The San Diego Blood Sisters held regular blood drives to help ensure blood was available for folks who need it, and Gossip Grill has been keeping that tradition alive. Every 2 seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. While about 60% of the population is eligible to give, only about 3% do. Donating blood takes about an hour from the time you check in until you are all done having a snack at the end, and there's always some sort of a cool donor incentive to say thank you. Most importantly, your donation can save up to three lives! Donors must be 17 years or older (or 16 with a signed parent permission). Please see redcrossblood.org for more details!
