Trump Severs Lifeline to LGBTQ Youth—This Isn’t Policy, It’s Cruelty

“We’re not talking about politics. We’re talking about kids trying to stay alive.”

On June 18, 2025, the Trump administration took one of its most chilling steps yet in its war on LGBTQ Americans: it ended federal support for the LGBTQ-specific crisis line under the 988 suicide prevention system.

Yes, the same 988 hotline that exists to prevent suicide in moments of desperation. The one that allowed LGBTQ people—especially youth—to press “3” and be connected to counselors trained in their unique struggles. Gone.

Let’s be absolutely clear:
This wasn’t about “efficiency.”
This wasn’t about “neutrality.”
This was about silencing support for a group already pushed to the margins.

A Deadly Reality

According to The Trevor Project, LGBTQ youth are over four times more likely to attempt suicide than their non-LGBTQ peers. Trans and nonbinary youth report even higher rates of suicidal ideation—upwards of 40% in some studies.

Having someone on the other end of the line who understands them?
That’s not woke. That’s lifesaving.

And now it’s gone—because this administration decided that acknowledging LGBTQ lives is too politically inconvenient.

“This isn’t about ‘wokeness.’ It’s about whether a child in crisis hears a voice—or hears nothing at all.”

This Isn’t Just Negligence. It’s Harm.

Trump’s allies will say this isn’t an attack. That the hotline is still there.
But removing the LGBTQ-specific option isn’t a minor tweak. It’s the removal of trust.

It tells a suicidal teen: You’re not worth the extra button.

This is cruelty dressed in policy.

🆘 What Now?

988 is still active.
If you or someone you know is struggling, you can call or text 988.
But the targeted line for LGBTQ callers will be dismantled—and that matters.

💡 We See You. We’ll Keep Fighting.

Erasing lifelines doesn’t erase identities.
We stand with every queer kid, teen, adult, and elder who needed that “press 3” option.
You matter.
You always will.

EDITOR’S NOTE:

This story includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, the national Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the U.S. is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988.