News that the Trump administration is considering eliminating specialized suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ youth has sent shockwaves through the community. According to a leaked budget draft reported by CNN and The Washington Post, the Department of Health and Human Services is proposing cutting all funding for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s LGBTQ+ Youth Specialized Services. The move would come as part of the department’s next discretionary budget.

Since its inception in 2022, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has fielded over 14.5 million calls, texts, and chats, with more than 1.2 million of those reaching the LGBTQ+ specialized service line. Designed to be as memorable as 911 but focused on mental health emergencies, 988 offered young LGBTQ+ individuals a vital, affirming resource when they needed it most.

Did Trump Get Rid of the Suicide Hotline?

No, not yet. While Trump signed a bipartisan bill in 2020 establishing 988 as the national suicide prevention hotline, his latest proposed budget aims to eliminate funding for its LGBTQ+ Specialized Services. If Congress approves this budget, the LGBTQ+ subnetwork could be shut down as early as October 1.

Importantly, the overall 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline will remain operational, but the crucial “Press 3” option connecting LGBTQ+ youth to specially trained counselors would disappear. Instead, the budget proposal allocates $10 million to services for Spanish speakers but removes any earmarked support for LGBTQ+ callers.

This decision comes despite overwhelming evidence that LGBTQ+ youth are at significantly higher risk for suicide. The Trevor Project reports that LGBTQ+ young people are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers, with one LGBTQ+ youth attempting suicide every 45 seconds in the United States.

Alternative Resources for Black LGBTQ+ Youth

If specialized services under 988 are eliminated, Black LGBTQ+ youth need to know that they still have places to turn for culturally competent, affirming, and life-saving help.

The Trevor Project

Despite government funding threats, The Trevor Project remains committed to providing 24/7 crisis services via phone (1-866-488-7386), text (Text START to 678-678), and online chat (thetrevorproject.org).

BEAM (Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective)

BEAM focuses on Black mental health through education, training, and healing justice initiatives. They offer a Black Virtual Therapist Directory and mental health toolkits specifically tailored to Black communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals. Visit beam.community for more.

Trans Lifeline

A peer-support and crisis hotline run by and for trans people. Call 877-565-8860. The line is confidential and trans-affirming.

LGBT National Youth Talkline

Provides free, confidential peer support for LGBTQ+ youth. Call 1-800-246-7743 or visit lgbtqhotline.org.

Sista Afya Community Mental Wellness

A Chicago-based organization offering mental wellness resources for Black women, including queer Black women. They offer affordable therapy, community care programs, and healing circles. More at sistaafya.com.

Therapy for Black Girls

A well-known directory and resource hub connecting Black women and girls with culturally competent therapists. While not crisis-specific, finding a therapist who “gets it” can be life-changing. Visit therapyforblackgirls.com.