The 988 National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline will stop offering special support for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults starting July 17, according to a recent announcement by a federal agency.
This change comes ahead of the Trump administration’s 2026 budget plan, which proposes cutting funding for these tailored services.
Since its launch in September 2022, the LGBTQ+ youth program has helped nearly 1.3 million callers. People could access the service by pressing “3” on the phone or texting the word “PRIDE.” Advocates worry that removing this focused support will leave many young people without the help they need.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) explained that the decision aims to “no longer silo” services and instead serve all callers equally, including those who used the LGBTQ+ option. However, many experts and LGBTQ+ groups disagree with this approach.
The Trevor Project, a nonprofit that provides crisis support for LGBTQ+ youth and handles nearly half of the calls to the lifeline, expressed strong concern. CEO Jaymes Black said, “Suicide prevention is about people, not politics.” He called the decision “incomprehensible” and criticized the removal of transgender-specific support as “callous.”
This announcement comes just days after the U.S. Supreme Court upheld Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for transgender minors, adding to worries about the rights and safety of LGBTQ+ youth.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 49,300 people died by suicide in 2023, one of the highest numbers ever recorded. Studies show LGBTQ+ youth face a much higher risk of suicide.
For example, a 2024 CDC analysis found that 26% of transgender and gender-questioning students attempted suicide in the past year, compared to 5% of cisgender males and 11% of cisgender females.
The 988 LGBTQ+ youth program cost $33 million in fiscal year 2024. The Trump administration’s 2026 budget keeps the overall 988 lifeline funding at $520 million but removes money specifically for LGBTQ+ youth services.
Despite the changes, organizations like the Trevor Project will continue offering 24/7 mental health support. Officials say the 988 lifeline will still help anyone who calls, but advocates warn that losing specialized services could harm vulnerable young people.
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