Bipartisan House Coalition Urges RFK Jr. to Reverse Trump Plan Ending LGBTQ+ Suicide Hotline

The Trump administration is planning to eliminate the specialized LGBTQ+ youth services within the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, a move that has sparked bipartisan opposition and significant concern among mental health advocates. Since its implementation, the LGBTQ+ option has connected over 1.3 million young individuals to affirming counselors, addressing the elevated risk of suicide among queer youth. Lawmakers and advocates argue that removing this service during Pride Month is especially cruel and undermines progress made in suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youth. The 988 lifeline, including the specialized option, was established with bipartisan support and provides crucial tailored support, which experts say is vital for encouraging at-risk LGBTQ+ youth to seek help. While the Trump administration’s budget proposal includes defunding this specialized service, the final decision will rest with Congress amid public calls to preserve it. Meanwhile, community organizations emphasize the importance of affirming spaces and trusted adults to support LGBTQ+ youth facing mental health crises.