Trump Looks to Eliminate LGBTQ+ Crisis Hotlines

The Trump Administration plans to eliminate funding for LGBTQ+ crisis hotlines on October 1, according to a leaked budget draft. The decision aims to put queer lives at risk by ending federal support for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline’s LGBTQ+ Youth Specialized Services, a service that has provided support for more than 1.2 million LGBTQ+ individuals in moments of crisis. As reported by The Advocate, experts warn that the elimination of the crisis service can have catastrophic consequences.

“For countless LGBTQ+ individuals, the crisis line isn’t just a service—iIt’s a lifeline,” Karine Jean-Pierre, former White House press secretary, tells The Advocate. “It’s what stands between despair and survival, isolation and hope.”

The Trevor Project, an LGBTQ+ nonprofit that focuses on suicide prevention, estimates more than 1.8 million LGBTQ+ youth seriously consider suicide each year. A disproportionately higher amount of those individuals identify as transgender. The organization further reports a 700% increase in crisis calls after the 2024 presidential election and a 46% spike on Inauguration Day 2025. 

Mental health experts highlight the need for LGBTQ+-specific crisis lines for the unique issues that queer people face. General crisis lines are not equipped to handle the queer-specific issues. 

“LGBTQ+ youth are four times as likely as their peers to consider attempting suicide,” Mark Henson, director of federal advocacy and government affairs for The Trevor Project, tells The Advocate. “The specialized LGBTQ+ services within 988 were designed because of this elevated risk, much like the separate support track for veterans. It’s about meeting people where they are with someone who understands their lived experiences.”

The leaked budget draft is not yet official. The administration has time to reconsider dismantling the crisis line. Mark declares The Trevor Project will continue providing services to LGBTQ+ individuals regardless of the political process.

“No matter what happens, we will be here for LGBTQ+ youth,” Mark says. “We’ve launched a petition to protect this funding and an emergency fundraising campaign to ensure that no young person feels alone.”

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. 

The Trevor Project Lifeline for LGBTQ+ youth (age 24 and younger): (866) 488-7386

The Trevor Project chat services: TheTrevorProject.org/Help or text START to 678678.

Photos courtesy of social media