Critics Warn Vulnerable LGBTQ Youth Left at Greater Risk
In a controversial move, the Trump administration has cut federal funding for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s LGBTQ youth option, Trump LGBTQ hotline cut forcing the specialized hotline service to shut down within 30 days. The decision, made during Pride Month, has been widely condemned by mental health advocates, LGBTQ groups, and human rights organizations.
The Trevor Project, which helped operate the LGBTQ option, called the decision “incomprehensible” and warned that it would leave high-risk youth without critical support. “Suicide prevention is about people, not politics,” said Jaymes Black, CEO of the Trevor Project. “Removing a bipartisan, evidence-based service that has supported vulnerable young people is devastating.”
Administration Cites ‘Radical Gender Ideology’
While general services under the 988 Lifeline will continue, officials at the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) justified the change by accusing the LGBTQ option of promoting “radical gender ideology” to minors without parental consent. The administration’s statement notably dropped the letters “T” and “Q” from the LGBTQ acronym, referring only to “LGB+” youth services.
HHS described the now-defunded hotline as a “chat service where children are encouraged to embrace radical gender ideology by ‘counselors’ without consent or knowledge of their parents,” according to statements made to NBC News.
Original Law Had Bipartisan Support, Including Trump’s
The 988 Lifeline’s LGBTQ option was originally mandated by bipartisan legislation passed by US Congress in 2020 and signed into law by Trump during his first term. The law recognized that LGBTQ youth face suicide risks at rates up to four times higher than their peers, with over one-third of transgender youth reporting suicide attempts.
According to the Trevor Project, over 231,000 crisis contacts were handled via the LGBTQ option in 2024 alone. Despite the federal funding loss, the organization plans to continue its independent support services for LGBTQ youth.
Broader Rollback of LGBTQ Rights Under Trump
This latest decision comes amid a broader rollback of LGBTQ protections by Trump, who is campaigning for re-election. His administration has actively targeted transgender rights across multiple federal policies:
- Ban on transgender military service
- Ending DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) programs in federal agencies
- Limiting gender options on US passports to only male or female
- Supporting state-level bans on gender-affirming healthcare for minors
Earlier this week, the US Supreme Court upheld Tennessee’s ban on transition-related care for transgender minors, further fueling controversy during Pride Month.
Advocates Warn of Dangerous Consequences
Mental health experts and human rights advocates have emphasized that LGBTQ youth are already disproportionately at risk due to bullying, family rejection, and social stigma. Removing specialized support during a mental health crisis could lead to tragic consequences, they warn.
“The message this sends to LGBTQ youth is that their lives are less valuable,” said one advocate. “The 988 Lifeline must serve the unique needs of every group at risk for suicide, not erase them for political expediency.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or distress, please reach out to a trusted professional or contact support organizations such as Befrienders Worldwide.
See more coverage of Trump’s LGBTQ policy changes here.