The specialized services line for LGBTQ+ youth within the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline has been a vital resource since its inception. However, the Trump administration's proposed budget cuts could defund this service, risking the well-being of vulnerable youth. Chris Bouneff of NAMI Oregon emphasizes that LGBTQ+ individuals must feel comfortable reaching out for help, highlighting the serious consequences of losing this specialized support. With alarming suicide rates among queer youth, the 988 line saw significant usage, serving over 100,000 LGBTQ+ youth in just two months of 2024.
People who identify as LGBTQ+ need to feel comfortable with the people they're reaching out to. Otherwise they won't reach out. So the impacts are huge... if they do away with this option, we will see a severe impact.
The crisis number has fielded some 14.5 million calls-1.3 million of which have been directed to the specialized services line for LGBTQ+ youth.
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