You may have seen the headlines or heard the news online: The Trevor Project’s LGBTQ+ support through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is officially shutting down on July 17—and it’s leaving a lot of people heartbroken, confused and, honestly, scared.
For so many LGBTQ+ teens, being able to call or text someone who truly understands what you’re going through was life-saving. It meant not having to explain yourself, not having to hide, just getting to talk to someone who gets it, without judgment.
That’s what made this hotline so important. And that’s what makes this loss feel so heavy.
What’s actually happening?
The Trevor Project, a nonprofit dedicated to suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youth, has announced that its partnership with the national 988 Lifeline is ending. This change was ordered by the Trump administration, which directed federal health agencies to shut down the LGBTQ+ Specialized Services program within 30 days.
That program, known for the “Press 3” option, allowed LGBTQ+ youth who called 988 to immediately speak with a trained counselor who understood their identity and experiences. In 2024 alone, nearly half of the 500,000 people helped by The Trevor Project came through that hotline.
Why are they ending it?
According to government officials:
- The funding for LGBTQ+ services is being absorbed into the general 988 budget
- They say they want to “serve all help seekers” instead of offering specialized options
- A White House spokesperson said this was to avoid supporting “radical gender ideology” — a statement that’s gotten major backlash
Jaymes Black, CEO of The Trevor Project, called the decision devastating and pointed out that removing support in the middle of Pride Month—and dropping the “T” from “LGBTQ+” in the announcement—felt especially cruel.
“Suicide prevention is about people, not politics,” Black said. “You are worthy. You are loved. And you belong.”
Why it mattered so much
For LGBTQ+ youth, having someone to talk to can be everything.
Many teens don’t have a safe or affirming adult in their lives. Others are scared to come out, dealing with bullying, or struggling with mental health issues in silence. The Trevor Project’s 988 line gave them a lifeline, a real person on the other end of the phone who wouldn’t judge them, who understood what they were going through, and who knew how to help.
This wasn’t “just a hotline.” It was a source of connection, compassion, and hope.
Taking that away doesn’t just remove a service. It sends a message to LGBTQ+ youth that their specific struggles don’t matter, and that’s not OK.
What you can do (and where to get help now)
Even though the 988 partnership is ending, The Trevor Project is still here for you. And other amazing resources are too.
Crisis support:
- Text “START” to 678-678
- Chat online at thetrevorproject.org
- Call Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860
- LGBT Youth Talkline: 800-246-7743
- 988 Lifeline (note: the “Press 3” option will be gone after July 17)
Take action:
- Sign the petition: TheTrevorProject.org/ActNow
- Share the news and support Trevor’s emergency fundraiser to keep services available
You are not alone
This decision is devastating, but it’s not the end of support for LGBTQ+ youth. The Trevor Project and many other organizations will continue to show up, speak out and fight for a world where every young person has someone to talk to, especially when it matters most.
Because talking saves lives. And you matter.
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