Trump’s Policies Affect LGBTQ+ Youth Services, But Alternative Lifelines Are Standing By

The Trump administration is ending the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s LGBTQ+ Youth Specialized Services effective July 17, several months ahead of its initial October 1 closure deadline, reports The Advocate.

This move, first revealed by a leaked budget draft in April, means a critical federal program providing emergency crisis support to queer youth considering suicide will cease. While Congress could reverse these cuts, it’s unlikely given the current Republican control of the House and Senate.

Despite this change, numerous existing lifelines continue to offer support for LGBTQ+ youth facing mental health challenges, substance use, sexual health concerns, or domestic violence. Here are some of the essential hotlines available across the U.S.:

Key Support Resources for LGBTQ+ Youth

  • The Trevor Project:For LGBTQ+ youth aged 24 and younger.

    • Call: (866) 488-7386

    • Chat: TheTrevorProject.org/Help

    • Text: START to 678678

  • Trans Lifeline: Specifically designed for transgender or gender-nonconforming individuals. Also provides resources for other crises like domestic violence.

  • LGBT National Hotline: Offers a confidential safe space for callers of any age to discuss sexual orientation or gender identity/expression issues.

    Call: 888-843-4564

    Hours: Monday-Friday, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. PST (2 p.m. – 11 p.m. EST); Saturday, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. PST (Noon – 5 p.m. EST)

  • LGBT National Youth Talkline: Provides a space for youth ages 25 and younger to discuss relationship concerns, family issues, bullying, school, HIV/AIDS anxiety, safe sex, suicide, and more.

    • Call: 800-246-7743

    • Hours: Monday-Friday, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. PST (2 p.m. – 11 p.m. EST); Saturday, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. PST (Noon – 5 p.m. EST)

  • Crisis Text Line: Connects individuals with a live, trained crisis counselor. Previously partnered with FOLX Health for queer-specific services.

    • Text: HELLO or HOLA to 741741 (English/Spanish)

    • WhatsApp: Message 443-SUPPORT or 442-AYUDAME (Spanish)

  • The Pride Institute: Supports LGBTQ+ individuals in recovery from substance use disorder, sexual health issues, and mental health conditions since 1986.

  • National Runaway Safeline: Offers assistance, resources, shelter, and transportation to runaways.

  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: Provides support for those affected by domestic violence.

  • National AIDS Hotline: Offers resources for people living with HIV, including information on test sites, medical care, prevention services, and housing.

    • Call: 800-342-AIDS (800-344-7432) or 800-243-7889 (Spanish)

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