Effective today, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s LGBTQ+ Youth Specialized Services program has been shut down. While the general 988 hotline remains open to all, callers can no longer “Press 3” to receive specialized support from an LGBTQ+-affirming provider. This move cuts a literal lifeline, removing a vital, specialized resource that has provided crisis services to an estimated 1.5 million LGBTQ+ young people since 2022.
Despite this devastating federal decision, The Trevor Project’s free and confidential crisis services remain fully operational and available 24/7 for any LGBTQ+ person who needs support. To understand the full impact of this shutdown, what The Trevor Project is doing, and how you can take action, explore our conversation with The Trevor Project below.
3 Questions with the Trevor Project
What can youth and young adults do right now to respond to this decision?
There are several ways people can take action in response to this decision. Right now, we encourage youth and young adults to sign our petition calling on Members of the U.S. Congress and the administration to protect 988 Lifeline’s LGBTQ+ youth specialized services. People can also share and support The Trevor Project’s Emergency Lifeline Campaign for LGBTQ+ Youth.
Perhaps most importantly, LGBTQ+ youth and young adults should know that The Trevor Project’s highly trained crisis counselors remain available 24/7, regardless of the 988 Lifeline’s move. Our crisis lines can be reached at 1-866-488-7386, via chat at TheTrevorProject.org/Get-Help, or by texting START to 678678.
What do we risk losing when a program that has served 1.5 million young people disappears?
The 988 Lifeline’s LGBTQ+ youth services program has, as of May 2025, served 1.5 million LGBTQ+ youth since its launch in September 2022.
The loss of this program will be devastating for LGBTQ+ youth. LGBTQ+ youth are four times more likely to attempt suicide compared to their peers. The 988 Lifeline’s specialized services for veterans and for LGBTQ+ youth were specifically created because these communities are at disproportionately higher risk of suicide.
These services are based on risk levels, not identities. It’s clinical best practice to connect these groups with counselors who understand their unique needs. LGBTQ+ youth need to speak with counselors who understand their identities, the coming out process, and the unique challenges that they often report experiencing because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
By getting rid of highly trained counselors with specialized skills, the Administration is putting these young Americans’ lives at risk.
How do you think this decision will be remembered in the broader context of LGBTQ+ rights and youth mental health?
Suicide prevention is about people, not politics. The reality that the federal government decided to end a lifeline that has served 1.5 million American youth at a time when they need it most will go down in history as an especially dangerous and devastating attack on LGBTQ+ youth in this country.
3 Action Items from Active Minds
- Sign the Trevor Project’s Petition: Sign the petition and urge Congress to take action and help us protect this life-saving program by funding the subnetwork and directing SAMHSA to maintain the 988 LGBTQ+ subnetwork moving forward.
- Share your Story: Whether you or someone you know has struggled with mental health, sharing those experiences can inspire others to speak up and take action. Record a short video sharing your story to support Active Minds’ legislative goals.
Not sure where to start with telling your story? We’ve got your back! Join hundreds of young adults, advocates, and mental health leaders at the Active Minds Conference for an experience designed to ignite the power of storytelling! - Be a Social Media Champion: Share information about the 988 LGBTQ+ Youth Specialized Services shutdown, remind everyone that The Trevor Project is still a safe space 24/7, and mobilize your followers to stay informed and advocate for change.
