Hotline for national suicide prevention considers discontinuing counseling for LGBTQ+ youth; Concerned LGBTQ+ advocates in Los Angeles question the potential future implications.
In the first half of 2025, Lambda Legal's help desk has received a surge in requests for assistance with health care, employment, and housing discrimination, marking a significant increase compared to all of 2024. This trend is particularly pronounced among trans and nonbinary individuals, highlighting the pressing need for support within this community.
The increased demand for assistance comes at a time when concerns about rising HIV infection rates are on the rise. The Medicaid cuts and the subsequent challenges in accessing preventive care and emotional support could exacerbate this issue, disproportionately affecting LGBTQ+ Americans.
The Trump administration's "Big Beautiful Bill" has been a cause for concern, as it cuts public health funding for low-income Americans who receive Medicaid, a move that particularly affects LGBTQ+ Americans.
While the Trevor Project, a major contractor for the 988 line, handles about half of all calls from queer callers to the 988 line, the end of its partnership with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has left many questioning the future of crisis intervention for LGBTQ+ youth.
Thousands of bills targeting the LGBTQ+ community have been introduced in various legislatures, including California, where the Trevor Project's 2024 survey revealed that 35% of LGBTQ+ young people seriously considered taking their own lives, and 11% had attempted suicide in the previous year.
Despite these challenges, there are alternative crisis intervention options available for LGBTQ+ youth in Los Angeles. The Trevor Project continues to offer its own 24/7 crisis services, but faces challenges in maintaining the same level of federal support.
Planned Parenthood, participating locations in Los Angeles offer mental and physical health resources, including support groups for queer youth ages 14 to 22 and gender-affirming healthcare. Services can be accessed by visiting a local facility or online.
Los Angeles County's Alternative Crisis Response offers a 24/7 helpline (800) 854-7771, providing culturally sensitive support and connecting callers with mental health professionals trained to assist LGBTQ+ individuals and families.
CalHOPE offers online mental health support for youth and young adults, with guides to queer-specific mental health services available by dialing (833) 317-4673.
The Trevor Project's director of crisis intervention, Alex Boyd, is uncertain about how his organization can make up for the loss of the nationwide visibility and federal support that the 988 partnership afforded them. Staff at the Trevor Project are currently working to save the jobs of about 200 counselors paid through the federal contract.
Young callers to the Trevor Project are expressing feelings of governmental rejection and erasure of their experiences due to the Trump administration's decision to end the partnership. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is planning to stop offering specialized crisis intervention to young LGBTQ+ Americans, leaving many to wonder if they will still trust a suicide prevention line that no longer offers counselors they can easily relate to.
However, it's important to remember that these challenges do not define the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community. Resources are available, and it's crucial for those in need to seek help when they need it. The future may be uncertain, but the fight for support and understanding continues.
- The surge in requests for assistance at Lambda Legal's help desk in the first half of 2025, particularly from trans and nonbinary individuals, underscores the need for increased support and understanding within the community.
- The rise in HIV infection rates is a growing concern, and the potential impact of Medicaid cuts could exacerbate this issue, disproportionately affecting LGBTQ+ Americans.
- The Trump administration's "Big Beautiful Bill," which cuts public health funding for low-income Americans receiving Medicaid, is a cause for concern, as it impacts LGBTQ+ Americans disproportionately.
- While the Trevor Project handles about half of all calls from queer callers to the 988 line, the end of its partnership with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has left many questioning the future of crisis intervention for LGBTQ+ youth.
- Thousands of bills targeting the LGBTQ+ community have been introduced in various legislatures, including California, where the Trevor Project's 2024 survey revealed that a significant number of LGBTQ+ young people have considered or attempted suicide.
- Despite these challenges, alternative crisis intervention options are available for LGBTQ+ youth in Los Angeles, such as Planned Parenthood's mental and physical health resources and Los Angeles County's Alternative Crisis Response helpline.
- CalHOPE offers online mental health support for youth and young adults, with resources for queer-specific mental health services available through the helpline (833) 317-4673.
- The Trevor Project's director of crisis intervention, Alex Boyd, is uncertain about how his organization can make up for the loss of nationwide visibility and federal support resulting from the end of the 988 partnership, which has left many young callers feeling governmental rejection and erasure of their experiences.
