Trump Administration Cuts Funding for LGBTQ Youth Suicide Hotline Option Amid Backlash

A specialized branch of the U.S. national suicide prevention hotline catering to LGBTQ youth is set to close after the Trump administration announced a funding cut, citing concerns over what it called “radical gender ideology.” The affected service, operated in part by The Trevor Project, allowed LGBTQ youth to press option 3 on the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to speak with trained counselors. CEO Jaymes Black condemned the move, saying it strips away a vital, evidence-based service during Pride Month and at a time when LGBTQ youth remain at significantly higher risk of suicide.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and its subsidiary, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), defended the decision by stating the hotline will now serve “all help seekers” without segmenting services by identity. However, critics argue this effectively eliminates a safe, affirming space for LGBTQ youth. SAMHSA’s recent statement notably omitted mention of transgender and queer individuals, and HHS officials described the previous option as one that promoted “radical gender ideology” to children without parental knowledge.

This development comes as part of a broader rollback of LGBTQ rights under Donald Trump’s renewed push to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. The Supreme Court recently upheld a Tennessee ban on gender-affirming care for minors, and other Trump-era measures include banning transgender individuals from the military and restricting passport gender options to only male or female based on sex assigned at birth. Despite bipartisan support for the original 988 Lifeline expansion, The Trevor Project has been ordered to cease its involvement within 30 days, though it will continue offering independent services.

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