A proposal by the Trump Administration to eliminate funding for a vital suicide hotline specifically serving LGBTQ+ youth has sparked significant concern. A draft budget, reportedly obtained by a media outlet, indicates plans to terminate all funding for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s LGBTQ+ Youth Specialized Services by October 1, 2025. This federal program has been instrumental in providing emergency support to LGBTQ+ youth in crisis.
There are fears that this move could severely impact millions of young people. The specialized services were established to address a significant mental health crisis among young populations and received bipartisan support when initially signed into law by President Trump. The potential funding cut has raised concerns about the accessibility of life-saving resources for LGBTQ+ youth.
Despite the proposed budget changes, organizations like The Trevor Project are committed to continuing their support. The organization reassures LGBTQ+ youth that assistance will remain available regardless of federal funding changes. The Trevor Project, which reports that over 1.8 million LGBTQ+ youth in the U.S. seriously consider suicide each year, remains a crucial resource for crisis intervention.
Since its inception, the LGBTQ+ Youth Specialized Services, funded through the Department of Health and Human Services, has assisted over 1.2 million individuals with inclusive crisis services. The broader 988 Lifeline has reached more than 14 million people. The Trevor Project observed a significant increase in outreach following Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration, with calls and messages spiking by 33 percent and 46 percent the following day compared to usual volumes.
Advocacy groups emphasize the necessity of maintaining and expanding resources dedicated to suicide prevention among high-risk populations. They call upon the Administration and Congress to uphold the commitment to these programs, underscoring their importance in saving lives.
For those seeking mental health resources, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7 access to free and confidential support through calls, texts, or chats. Additional resources are available through Trans Lifeline at (877) 565-8860, and the Trevor Project Lifeline at (866) 488-7386. Chat services are also accessible at TheTrevorProject.org/Help, or by texting START to 678678.