Trump Budget Leak Reveals Cuts To LGBTQIA+ Crisis Services
Funding elimination planned for 988 Lifeline’s specialised youth support accessed by 1.2 million.
Concerns are rising over reports that the Trump administration is considering cutting vital funding for specialised mental health support aimed at LGBTQIA+ youth through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. This potential move, revealed in a leaked budget draft obtained by The Washington Post, could significantly impact essential services that many young people rely on.
What Is The 988 Lifeline?
Think of 988 as the mental health equivalent of dialling 911 for emergencies. President Donald Trump himself signed the bipartisan National Suicide Hotline Designation Act into law back in 2020. This established 988 as a universal, easy-to-remember number connecting people in crisis with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
The service officially launched in 2022. Soon after, callers gained the option to press ‘3’, which connects them directly with counsellors specially trained to support LGBTQIA+ young people. Similar tailored options exist for veterans and Spanish speakers.
What exactly is changing?
The leaked budget document reportedly earmarks $10 million for the specialised services catering to Spanish speakers. However, it appears to eliminate the specific funding allocated for the LGBTQIA+ youth services. If this budget passes approval, these changes could come into force as early as October this year.
Since launching in September 2022, this specific LGBTQIA+ service has become a crucial resource. Data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration shows over 1.2 million calls, texts, or chats have been routed through this channel. It highlights a clear need within the community.
The Trevor Project, a well-known organisation focused on preventing suicide among LGBTQIA+ youth, plays a significant role here. They stated they handle nearly half of all calls and texts coming through the program from young LGBTQIA+ individuals. In 2024 alone, they directly assisted more than 231,000 people through this service, training almost 250 crisis counsellors and support staff.
Young people within the LGBTQIA+ community are statistically more than four times more likely to attempt suicide compared to their peers. This makes easily accessible, specialised mental health support easily accessible, not just helpful, but potentially lifesaving. Advocates argue that removing this funding effectively halts critical services that countless young individuals depend on during their darkest moments. What message does removing this targeted support send?
Voices From The Frontline
Jaymes Black, the CEO of The Trevor Project, didn’t mince words in a statement regarding the potential cuts. “Suicide prevention is about risk, not identity,” he stated. “Ending the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s LGBTQ+ youth specialised services will not just strip away access from millions of LGBTQ+ kids and teens—it will put their lives at risk.”
He added, “These programs were implemented to address a proven, unprecedented, and ongoing mental health crisis among our nation’s young people with strong bipartisan support in Congress and signed into law by President Trump himself.” Black assured young people that despite this news, “The Trevor Project remains available 24/7 for anyone who needs us, just as we always have.”
Echoing these concerns, Robert Gebbia, the CEO of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, urged the administration to reconsider. “We understand that funding may be eliminated for 988 LGBTQ+ specialized services, and we urge the administration to continue its existing support for crisis services, including those for at-risk LGBTQ+ youth,” Gebbia said. “These crisis response services are effective and save young lives.”
The federal budget cycle is set to begin on October 1. This is the date when any approved changes to the funding structure for the 988 specialised services would likely be implemented. Until then, the future of this specific support channel remains uncertain.
Need Support? Help Is Available
If you or someone you know is in need of support, please consider contacting one of these free services available within 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.
In the USA…
The Trevor Project provides help internationally via their website TheTrevorProject.org/get-help/.
