Governor Newsom announced new measures yesterday to support LGBTQ+ youth in California, directly responding to the current White House administration’s increased actions against the LGBTQ+ community. This move comes as the dedicated national LGBTQ+ youth crisis hotline faces defunding.
In early June, the administration revealed its intent to cut funding for a national LGBTQ+ youth crisis hotline. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the mental health agency involved, stated it would “no longer silo LGB+ youth services.” The hotline’s termination date is today.
Jaymes Black, CEO of The Trevor Project, expressed deep concern last month, stating, “We do not have to agree on every policy issue to agree that every young American’s life is worth saving. It is deeply upsetting to see the administration reverse course on an evidence-backed, bipartisan program that has successfully provided life-saving crisis care to 1.3 million LGBTQ+ young people, and counting.”
In anticipation of the hotline’s closure, Governor Newsom’s office announced that the California Health and Human Services Agency (CalHHS)will partner with The Trevor Project to provide specialized training for the state’s 988 crisis counselors. This initiative will equip them with enhanced competency to effectively handle calls from LGBTQ+ youth, building on their existing training.
“While the Trump administration continues its attacks on LGBTQ kids, California has a message to the community: we see you and we’re here for you,” Newsom said in a press statement. “We’re proud to work with The Trevor Project to ensure that every person in our state can get the support they need to live a happy, healthy life.”
Accessing Support
If you need to talk to someone, you can call, text, or chat 988to connect with trained crisis counselors. You can also reach Trevor Project specialists by calling 1-866-488-7386, texting START to 678678, or chatting at TheTrevorProject.org/GetHelp.
