Protest At Trump Tower Urges Funding For 988 Lifeline For LGBTQIA+ Youth
Hundreds marched on Fifth Avenue on 12 July after the Trump administration confirmed funding will end for the Press 3 service on the 988 Suicide And Crisis Lifeline, a phone and text option created with The Trevor Project for queer young people. The cut means the specialised line will switch off at midnight on 17 July.
Why Press 3 matters.
Since launching in 2022, the option has fielded more than 1.3 million contacts from callers who often face higher suicide risk than their straight peers. The Trevor Project’s 2024 National Survey found 39 per cent of LGBTQIA+ young people seriously considered suicide in the past year. “Suicide prevention is about people, not politics,” Trevor Project CEO Jaymes Black said when the budget leak surfaced.
Voices on the front line.
Protestors chanted “Hands off 988” beneath the golden façade of Trump Tower. Trevor Project advocacy chief Mark Henson asked, “Will young callers feel safe enough to reach out if this program disappears?” Jewish Queer Youth director Rachael Fried added that the very existence of the line tells teens their lives matter.
White House defends the cut.
Federal officials insist the 988 network remains fully funded at US520 million and argue no public dollars should support “radical gender ideology” without parental consent. The health department says all callers will still reach “caring, culturally competent” counsellors, yet critics warn general operators may lack the training queer youth need.
Thank you @MarkLevineNYC for always standing with and for people in need. Special thanks to the unions and organizations that organized today’s rally! #HandsOff #988 #TrevorProject #LGBTQIA #TransYouth pic.twitter.com/xPJvakDLle
— Christopher (he/him) (@darkknight316) July 12, 2025
Where does help go after 17 July?
The Trevor Project will keep its own 24/7 text and phone lines open.
In Australia…
Lifeline Australia offers 24/7 crisis support via phone on 13 11 14 or through web chat services available at Lifeline.org.au.
Beyond Blue provides support via phone at 1300 22 4636 and also offers web chat options through their website, Beyondblue.org.au.
QLife offers dedicated LGBTQIA+ support services. You can reach them by phone on 1800 184 527 or find web chat details at qlife.org.au.
You can also search “Queer and LGBTQI+ community support services in Australia” at www.ABC.net.au for additional local resources.
