The Trump administration is planning to terminate the specialized services of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for LGBTQ+ youth, leading to concerns about devastating effects on this already vulnerable population. Following the announcement, The Trevor Project observed a 20% surge in crisis service calls, illustrating heightened fears within the LGBTQ+ youth community. The cutoff will take effect on July 17, ahead of the anticipated date, eliminating approximately $25 million in federal funding essential for crisis support and counselor roles. This abrupt action is predicted to leave a substantial service gap, exacerbating the current crisis for LGBTQ+ youth.
The specialized LGBTQ+ services within the 988 lifeline, which was signed into law by President Trump and implemented under President Biden, are now set to close on July 17.
Alex Boyd, director of crisis intervention at The Trevor Project, stated, "Young people are expressing fear and uncertainty about the current hostile anti-LGBTQ+ political environment in this country."
The abrupt announcement to end the 988 Lifeline's LGBTQ+ specialized services on July 17, giving only 30 days' notice, has put our organization in an impossible situation.
The decision to strip The Trevor Project of an estimated $25 million in federal funds that support crisis counselor roles will create a major gap in service beginning on July 17.
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