In a move that has sparked widespread condemnation, the Trump administration has announced the termination of federal funding for the LGBTQ+ Youth Specialized Services program under the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
The program, which provided tailored mental health support to LGBTQ+ individuals under 25, will officially shut down on July 17, 2025.
Launched in 2022 and expanded to 24/7 service in 2023, the hotline had served over 1.3 million LGBTQ+ youth in crisis.
It offered a lifeline through the “Press 3” phone option or “PRIDE” text keyword, connecting callers with counselors trained in LGBTQ+ mental health support.
The decision to end the program comes despite data showing that LGBTQ+ youth are significantly more likely to experience suicidal ideation and mental health challenges than their peers.
The administration’s rationale, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), is to “no longer silo” services and instead provide uniform support to all callers.
However, critics argue that this approach erases the unique needs of LGBTQ+ youth and removes a proven, evidence-based support system.
The White House defended the move by stating that taxpayer money should not fund services that “encourage radical gender ideology” without parental consent.
The backlash has been swift. The Trevor Project, which helped operate the hotline, called the decision “devastating” and vowed to continue offering its own 24/7 crisis services independently.
California Governor Gavin Newsom and over 100 members of Congress have condemned the move, while celebrities like Ariana Grande and Pedro Pascal have signed an open letter urging the administration to reverse course.
Mental health experts warn that the loss of this specialized service could have dire consequences. A 2024 CDC study found that 26% of transgender and gender-questioning students attempted suicide in the past year—compared to 5% of cisgender boys and 11% of cisgender girls.
As Pride Month unfolds, the timing of the announcement has added to the emotional toll. Advocates argue that this is not just a policy change—it’s a message. And for many LGBTQ+ youth, it’s a message of abandonment.
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