John,
LGBTQ youth are at a dramatically higher risk of suicide than their cisgender, straight peers. Yet, the Trump administration has chosen this moment, during Pride Month no less, to gut the lifeline that has been saving lives since 2022.
The “Press 3” option on the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline connected over 1.3 million LGBTQ youth in crisis with counselors trained in the unique challenges queer and trans kids face. That lifeline is now gone after being stripped away by a political agenda that puts ideology over evidence and cruelty over compassion.
Mental health experts, civil rights advocates, and even members of Trump’s own party have called this shutdown “devastating.” They’re right. A general crisis line isn’t good enough. LGBTQ youth, especially transgender and nonbinary youth, need affirming, culturally competent care, not a roulette wheel of untrained responders.
Trump didn’t just cut a program. He cut a lifeline. And if Congress doesn’t act, more young people will suffer, and many will die.
Tell your members of Congress to overturn the Trump administration’s decision and reinstate the LGBTQ Youth Suicide Hotline immediately.
This is a targeted attack during a mental health emergency. Trump’s administration deliberately deleted the “T” from communications, refused to acknowledge trans youth, and is now dismantling one of the only affirming resources in a hostile landscape of book bans, bathroom bills, and anti-trans legislation.
According to The Trevor Project, nearly 40% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered suicide in the past year. Trans and nonbinary kids face even higher rates. And now the people who most need specialized, affirming support are being told that they’re on their own.
We cannot let this stand. Congress must step up where Trump failed and restore the lifeline before more lives are lost.
Add your name to demand that Congress fund and protect the LGBTQ youth crisis hotline.
We can stop it, but only if we rise up, speak out, and demand better from every single member of Congress.
- DFA AF Team
