Trump & 988: LGBTQ+ Youth Crisis Support in LA
The Trump governance’s decision to end specialized LGBTQ+ youth crisis support via the 988 suicide and Crisis Lifeline has sparked meaningful concern. This shift impacts access to vital services for vulnerable young people, especially within the context of Los Angeles where the Los Angeles LGBT Center and other organizations are working to fill the gap. Advocates fear the loss of tailored assistance and its potential impact on at-risk youth,with the Trevor Project highlighting the high suicide attempt rates among LGBTQ+ youth. News Directory 3 reports on the availability of alternative resources, including the Trevor Project‘s 24/7 support, and other hotlines. Discover what’s next in the fight to ensure mental healthcare for LGBTQ+ youth.
Trump Administration Ends LGBTQ+ Youth Suicide Lifeline Support
Updated June 28, 2024
Specialized crisis support for LGBTQ+ youth via the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline will end next month, following a decision by the Trump administration.The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA),which funds the 988 hotline,said it would discontinue the “press 3” option for LGBTQ+-specific services,opting instead for a more inclusive approach.
Advocates, tho, fear the loss of tailored assistance will disproportionately affect vulnerable youth. Terra Russell-Slavin, with the Los Angeles LGBT Center, expressed concern that the move would leave many feeling unseen and unsure of where to turn for help.Russell-Slavin also noted the omission of the word “trans” from SAMHSAS announcement, despite trans youth being notably vulnerable to suicidal thoughts.
jaymes Black, CEO of the Trevor Project, which has provided counseling through the 988 hotline sence 2022, called the decision “incomprehensible,” noting the program has served over 1.3 million LGBTQ+ young people. The Trevor project estimates that more than 1.8 million LGBTQ+ young people in the U.S. seriously consider suicide each year, with an attempt occurring every 45 seconds.
Linda Yoon, founder of Yellow Chair Collective, echoed these concerns, emphasizing that specialized services meet needs often overlooked by general services.Her group provides LGBTQ+-affirming counseling, with a focus on Asian American and multicultural populations. Yoon noted that the Trevor Project has been a lifesaving resource for many queer youth.
Despite the change, resources remain available. The Trevor Project continues to offer 24/7 crisis support via phone, text, and chat. In Los Angeles County, the Mental Health Department provides a 24/7 helpline connecting residents with trained professionals and LGBTQ+-specific programs.
Yellow Chair Collective, which serves over 50 queer youths annually, will continue to refer clients to the Trevor Project. yoon stressed the importance of timely responses in crisis situations.
Other LGBTQ+-focused crisis hotlines include Los Angeles County’s Alternative Crisis Response ((800) 854-7771), Trans Lifeline ((877) 565-8860), and the Desi LGBTQ+ Helpline ((908) 367-3374).
Additional LGBTQ+ resources in Los Angeles include the Los Angeles LGBT Center, APLAHealth, Yellow Chair Collective, Planned Parenthood, and CalHOPE.
What’s next
Advocates are urging the Trump administration to reconsider its decision and are working to ensure that LGBTQ+ youth continue to have access to the mental health support they need. Community organizations are also stepping up to fill the gap left by the loss of specialized services on the 988 lifeline.