Breaking: Trump Administration Ends LGBTQ+ Youth Suicide Prevention Program

By The Hyperhive

|

19 June 2025

VA USA

© Sharefaith / Pexels

Save Post

Why did the Trump administration end LGBTQ+ youth suicide prevention services?

Imagine being a teenager in crisis, reaching out for help, only to find the support you need is no longer there.

This is the reality for many LGBTQ+ youth in the United States, as a vital service faces an uncertain future.

The Trump administration has decided to cut funding for a specialized suicide prevention program aimed at helping LGBTQ+ kids and teens.

This decision has sparked concern among advocates, lawmakers, and communities who fear the impact on young lives.

The Importance of the 988 Lifeline’s Specialized Service

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, launched in 2022, offers free mental health support to anyone in need by calling or texting 988.

For LGBTQ+ youth, a special option allowed them to connect with counselors trained to understand their unique challenges, like discrimination or lack of family support.

These counselors, often with similar life experiences, provided comfort and guidance to over 1.2 million callers since the program began.

Data shows that LGBTQ+ youth are four times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers, making this service a lifeline for many.

The Trevor Project, a nonprofit focused on preventing suicide among LGBTQ+ youth, has been a key partner in this program. In 2024 alone, it handled over 231,000 crisis contacts.

Advocates like Jaymes Black, CEO of The Trevor Project, warn that ending this service could put countless lives at risk.

Suicide prevention is about helping those in need, not turning away from them,” Black said.

Why the Funding Was Cut and What’s Next

So, why did the Trump administration end LGBTQ+ youth suicide prevention services?

The decision to defund the program came from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and was announced to take effect on July 17, 2025.

The Trump administration argues that the general 988 Lifeline can still serve all callers, including LGBTQ+ youth, with trained counselors. However, critics say this overlooks the need for specialized support.

A leaked budget proposal earlier this year suggested redirecting the program’s $33 million to other parts of the 988 Lifeline, a move that alarmed mental health experts.

Senator Tammy Baldwin, a Democrat from Wisconsin, has vowed to fight for the program’s funding, noting it had bipartisan support in Congress.

A poll by the National Alliance on Mental Illness found that 61% of people support specialized services for high-risk groups like LGBTQ+ youth.

Despite the cuts, The Trevor Project continues to offer its own 24/7 crisis line at 1-866-488-7386, though it lacks the capacity to handle the same volume as the 988 service.

The Impact on Youth and Communities

The loss of this program could leave many LGBTQ+ youth without the tailored support they need during their darkest moments.

Mental health experts worry that this decision sends a message that their struggles are less important. Advocates are urging the public to contact lawmakers to restore funding and protect these services.

For now, those in crisis can still reach out to 988 or The Trevor Project, but the future of specialized care remains uncertain.

As communities rally to support LGBTQ+ youth, the debate over this funding cut highlights a larger question: how do we ensure every young person has access to the help they need?

The answer could shape the lives of millions.

You might also want to read: Trump Issues Dire Warning to Three U.S. Cities with New ICE Deportation Plan

The Hyperhive

Bzz! This busy bee is on a mission to make your reading experience as vibrant and colorful as a blooming meadow. 🐝

Share