As WorldPride celebrations occurred, the Trump administration disclosed plans to cut funding for LGBTQ+ youth specialized services in the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Starting October 1, this decision formalizes a previously leaked proposal, upsetting advocates and mental health experts. They argue that such funding is essential to protect the lives of queer and trans youth, who face significant mental health challenges. Jaymes Black of The Trevor Project condemned the move, citing the lifeline's proven effectiveness since its launch in 2022, which has provided critical support for over 1.3 million LGBTQ+ youth.
We do not have to agree on every policy issue to agree that every young American's life is worth saving. It is deeply upsetting to see the administration reverse course on an evidence-backed, bipartisan program that has successfully provided life-saving crisis care to 1.3 million LGBTQ+ young people and counting.
Since the news of this proposal leaked, the Trevor Project has been fighting back - each and every day - to urge our nation's leaders to reject this fatal proposal.
In a nation where our children's tears fall without distinction of how they identify, we must rise with one voice - across every faith, every belief, and every political line - now is the time for the full volume of our conviction.
Codified initially into law during Trump's first term with bipartisan support, the LGBTQ+ youth subnetwork within 988 was launched in 2022 and allows callers to 'press 3' or text 'PRIDE' to reach affirming counselors.
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