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Trevor Project Condemns Federal Shutdown of LGBTQ+ Youth Crisis Lifeline
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On July 17, 2025, the federal government officially terminated the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s specialized services for LGBTQ+ youth, a move that has drawn widespread condemnation from the LGBTQ+ community and mental health advocates nationwide. The program, which launched in 2022, had provided an estimated 1.5 million crisis contacts with life-saving and LGBTQ+-inclusive support for some of the country’s most vulnerable young people .
The 988 Lifeline’s LGBTQ+ Youth Specialized Services were created with broad bipartisan support after the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act was signed into law in October 2020 . Since its implementation, the service has filled a critical gap for young people who are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide as their non-LGBTQ+ peers . Through partnerships with leading organizations, including The Trevor Project, the lifeline ensured that LGBTQ+ youth in crisis could access tailored support 24/7.
Jaymes Black, CEO of The Trevor Project, issued a strongly worded statement expressing heartbreak and outrage at the termination. “Our country’s federal government — including the very agency in charge of protecting our mental health — cut a literal lifeline that has provided 1.5 million LGBTQ+ youth with suicide prevention services. It is unfathomable,” Black said. “This administration has made a dangerous decision to play politics with real young people’s lives... I am heartbroken that this administration has decided to say, loudly and clearly, that they believe some young people’s lives are not worth saving” .
The termination follows a series of budget proposals and public warnings. On June 6, 2025, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released a budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2026 that called for the elimination of the specialized funding, a move that was met with immediate resistance from lawmakers, celebrities, and advocates .
The decision has sparked outrage and concern from LGBTQ+ organizations, public figures, and mental health professionals. In early June, more than 100 entertainment leaders from across media, sports, and the arts signed an open letter supporting the continuation of federal funding for LGBTQ+ youth suicide prevention . The Trevor Project also launched a petition and Emergency Lifeline fundraising campaign, urging Congress to take action to restore funding and protect these essential services .
Previously, the LGBTQ+ Youth Subnetwork received up to $50 million in federal funds to sustain these life-saving services. Advocates and members of Congress continue to call for legislative intervention to reverse the shutdown and reinforce the nation’s commitment to supporting young people in crisis .
Despite the loss of the federal program, The Trevor Project has reassured LGBTQ+ youth that its own crisis services will remain fully operational and accessible. “Regardless of federal funding shifts, The Trevor Project remains available 24/7 for anyone who needs us, just as we always have,” said Jaymes Black .
The organization serves nearly half of the contact volume previously routed through the 988 Lifeline’s LGBTQ+ services and will continue to offer free, confidential support via phone, text, and chat for LGBTQ+ young people nationwide . Resources are available 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386, at TheTrevorProject.org/Get-Help, or by texting START to 678678.
The Trevor Project and its allies remain committed to advocating for the restoration of federal support and the protection of life-saving services for LGBTQ+ youth. As the organization continues its outreach, leaders urge the public and policymakers to recognize the unique mental health challenges faced by these young people and act with urgency and compassion.
“Congress can still act to reverse this fatal decision. We are asking everyone to join the overwhelming public support for evidence-based crisis services, and urge Congress to act,” the organization stated .
As the nation grapples with the ramifications of this policy change, The Trevor Project continues to stand as a vital beacon of hope and support for LGBTQ+ youth in crisis.
