The Trump administration has ordered the shutdown of a suicide prevention option for LGBTQ youth within the 988 National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, a move set to take effect July 17. The decision eliminates the specialized “Press 3” option, launched in 2022 to support LGBTQ youth in crisis.
In a statement, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) said the change aims to unify services across all demographics. However, the move follows a January executive order recognizing only two sexes—male and female—omitting transgender individuals from federal language.
The Trevor Project, which helps field nearly half of the LGBTQ-specific 988 calls, confirmed it received a stop-work order. “This is devastating, to say the least. Suicide prevention is about people, not politics,” said CEO Jaymes Black. The group’s research shows 39% of LGBTQ youth considered suicide in the past year.
The decision has drawn bipartisan criticism. Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) called the move “wrong” and urged a reversal. Lawler and Rep. Young Kim (R-CA) previously warned that ending the program would strip support from at-risk youth.
President Trump’s Office of Management and Budget said the federal government “does not… fund a chat service where children are encouraged to embrace radical gender ideology.”
Source(s)
Discover more from News Facts Network
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
