Trump Administration To Shut Down LGBTQIA+ Crisis Hotline Support Next Month
In a move sending shockwaves through support communities, the Trump administration has announced it will shut down a specialised suicide prevention program for LGBTQIA+ youth in the United States next month. The decision to axe the service, a specific option within the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, was confirmed this week, drawing immediate and sharp criticism from mental health advocates.
TREVOR PROJECT LIFELINE FACES SHUTDOWN
— PhilSTAR L!fe (@philstarlife) June 19, 2025
US President Donald Trump's administration is ending funding for an LGBT suicide prevention hotline that it says encourages "radical gender ideology," a move that the project running the service called "devastating." READ:… pic.twitter.com/1TUTBd0eR7
Since 2022, young people under 25 could call or text the 988 lifeline and “Press 3” to be connected with a counsellor specifically trained in the challenges facing our community. That vital pathway will close on July 17.
What Is Being Lost and Why?
The official line from the US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is that it wants to “no longer silo LGB+ youth services” and will instead “focus on serving all help seekers.” The administration claims that anyone who contacts the lifeline will still receive compassionate and culturally competent care.
However, this decision ignores the alarming statistics that show why such a specialised service was created in the first place. A 2024 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 41% of LGBTQIA+ youth had seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year. One in five had actually made an attempt. These are not just numbers, they represent vulnerable young people who sought out counsellors with a genuine understanding of their lives.
A Callous Move During Pride Month
The timing of the announcement, in the middle of Pride Month, has been described as particularly cruel. The Trevor Project, a leading organisation in suicide prevention for LGBTQIA+ youth and a key partner in the program, condemned the decision.
“This means that, in 30 short days, this program that has provided life-saving services to more than 1.3 million LGBTQ+ young people will no longer be available for those who need it,” said Jaymes Black, CEO of The Trevor Project. In a statement, he noted the move was “callous” and also pointed out “the administration’s choice to remove the ‘T’ from the acronym ‘LGBTQ+’ in their announcement.”
Help Is Still Here
This news from the US is heavy, and if you or someone you know needs support, please reach out. There are people you can talk to right now.
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.
For those in the United States, The Trevor Project continues to provide help internationally through its website at TheTrevorProject.org/get-help/. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline also remains available 24/7 by calling or texting 988..
