Federal Judge Restores $6.2 Million HIV Lifeline After Trump Tried To Pull The Plug
Some good news landed this week, followed swiftly by a reminder of how quickly things can change. In a major legal success for our community, a US federal court ordered the restoration of millions in funding to essential LGBTQIA+ organisations. The win comes from a case brought by Lambda Legal, which challenged the Trump administration’s attempts to defund groups it incorrectly labelled as illegal “DEI.”
US Senate saves HIV programme from budget cuts#HealthyNation https://t.co/Bxef6Oc4N9 pic.twitter.com/HSvC2idsgd
— Daily Nation (@NationAfrica) July 17, 2025
A hard-won victory for community care.
At the heart of the issue was $6.2 million in funding for nine organisations that provide critical services, from HIV care to youth programs. The lawsuit, San Francisco AIDS Foundation v. Trump, was filed after the previous administration issued executive orders targeting programs related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). The court’s decision blocks those orders and secures the funding for groups like the Los Angeles LGBT Centre and the San Francisco Community Health Centre.
Jose Abrigo, the HIV Project director at Lambda Legal, confirmed the outcome. “We have confirmed that our plaintiffs, LGBTQ+ organisations providing critical services to their communities, have seen their threatened funding restored,” he stated.
But it’s a complicated week for progress…
This legal victory happened at the same time as another funding battle unfolded. The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, better known as PEPFAR, had its funding thrown into chaos after massive cuts to foreign aid. Established in 2003, this global program has saved tens of millions of lives by funding HIV prevention and treatment in lower-income countries. After intense pressure from a coalition of senators, the administration agreed to restore over $400 million to the program. It’s a relief, but a stark reminder of how precarious this support can be.
And a devastating blow to youth support.
Unfortunately, the week also brought a significant loss. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) ordered the elimination of the specialised LGBTQIA+ support service from the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The “Press 3 option,” which connected callers directly with counsellors trained by The Trevor Project, was dismantled by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy.
⚖️ LEGAL VICTORY: A federal judge granted provisional class-action status and extended a temporary restraining order in our lawsuit against House Bill 135. This restores access to HIV treatment through the Ryan White program for all immigrants in Idaho. https://t.co/Bxua0Q98RO pic.twitter.com/MrvjjC9XID
— ACLU of Idaho (@acluidaho) July 16, 2025
The service saw demand grow from just over 1,700 referrals in late 2022 to nearly 59,000 in February this year. Calls peaked at over 60,000 in January during Trump’s inauguration.
“This hotline has already saved countless lives,” said Representative Mark Pocan. “This shortsighted and dangerous plan… will have lethal consequences.”
As we celebrate one crucial win, we’re hit with a devastating loss elsewhere. Does it leave you feeling exhausted or energised for the fights ahead? As Lambda Legal’s Jose Abrigo added, “We know the battle is far from over… but the cause is too important, and the need too great, for us to lose heart.”
Help is still here.
In Australia…
Lifeline Australia is available around the clock on 13 11 14 or via web chat at lifeline.org.au. Beyond Blue offers support on 1300 22 4636 and online at beyondblue.org.au. QLife provides LGBTQIA+‑affirming help on 1800 184 527 or qlife.org.au. You can also search “Queer and LGBTQI+ community support services in Australia” at abc.net.au for local options.
In the United States…
The Trevor Project’s trained counselors are available 24/7. Call 1-866-488-7386, text ‘START’ to 678-678, or visit their website to chat with someone now. You are not alone.
