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The LGBTQ+ subline of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline was launched in 2022.
"This administration has made a dangerous decision to play politics with real young people’s lives," Trevor Project CEO Jaymes Black said.
With the federally funded LGBTQ+ youth crisis hotline shutting down Thursday, the Trevor Project is condemning the government’s action but emphasizing that private services, like its own, will remain available.
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The LGBTQ+ subline of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline was launched in 2022. Since then, it has fielded more than 1 million calls, texts, and chats. It could be reached by pressing the number 3 or texting “PRIDE,” and users could connect via online chat to a counselor trained in supporting LGBTQ+ people under age 25.
The Trump administration had originally intended to close the subline by October 1, but last month the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration announced that the closure would come in mid-July. That agency is part of the Department of Health and Human Services, and LGBTQ+ and allied legislators have called on HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to keep the line open.
Related: Experts brace for crisis as Trump administration’s end to key emergency resource for LGBTQ+ youth looms
Related: Lawmakers call out Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s ‘unconscionable’ apathy on eve of LGBTQ+ 988 Lifeline shutdown
An HHS spokesperson recently told The Advocate that the Press 3 option had exhausted its congressionally directed funding and that maintaining it would have resulted in “massive reductions in service” across the entire 988 Lifeline. The general lifeline will remain available.
However, the Trevor Project, like many other organizations and activists, sees the move as rooted in the administration’s anti-LGBTQ+ and especially anti-transgender stances, not in funding. Calls to the Trevor Project's crisis services spiked after Donald Trump's election and inauguration.
“It’s hard to find the words today,” Trevor Project CEO Jaymes Black said in a press release. “Our country’s federal government — including the very agency in charge of protecting our mental health — cut a literal lifeline that has provided 1.5 million LGBTQ+ youth with suicide prevention services. It is unfathomable."
They went on to call out the Trump administration for what they say is playing politics with young peoples' lives.
"The 988 Lifeline’s Specialized Services Program was created to serve Americans at highest risk for suicide — including veterans and LGBTQ+ youth — with best-practice crisis care that meets these populations’ unique needs. The program was created with overwhelming bipartisan support because, despite our political differences, we should all agree that every young person’s life is worth saving."
Related: These crisis hotlines are still available for LGBTQ+ youth after Trump ends special 988 services
To queer youth, Jaymes said: “I want every LGBTQ+ young person to know that you are worthy, valued, and loved exactly as you are. No matter what the federal government says or does, you have millions of people — all across the country — in your corner, and we are here to support you, always."
They added the Trevor Project was grateful for the outpouring of support at this time, especially to their donors for contributing to keep resources available.
“This is hard, but we are far from defeated," they said. "Nothing — and I mean nothing — will stop us from working toward a world where every LGBTQ+ young person feels safe, seen, and supported exactly as they are.”
The Trevor Project emphasized that its free and confidential crisis services will continue to be available 24/7 for any LGBTQ+ young person needing support. It also urged the public to donate to its Emergency Lifeline Campaign for LGBTQ+ Youth.
If you or someone you know needs mental health resources and support, please call, text, or chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or visit 988lifeline.org for 24/7 access to free and confidential services. Trans Lifeline, designed for transgender or gender-nonconforming people, can be reached at (877) 565-8860. The lifeline also provides resources to help with other crises, such as domestic violence situations. The Trevor Project Lifeline, for LGBTQ+ youth (ages 24 and younger), can be reached at (866) 488-7386. Users can also access chat services at TheTrevorProject.org/Help or text START to 678678.
