It’s 2025, and the Trump administration is coming for queer kids again—this time by defunding a suicide prevention program that, by all available data, works. A leaked draft of the upcoming federal budget, first obtained by The Washington Post, reveals plans to eliminate funding for the LGBTQ+ Youth Specialized Services branch of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
The move would gut a service that has already helped over 1.2 million young people since 2022. It has fielded nearly 10 million calls and over 2.5 million texts—each one a moment when someone decided to reach out instead of give up. The demand is growing, not shrinking. In September 2022, 1,700 calls. In February 2025? Nearly 59,000.
The timing isn’t subtle. Demand spiked in January—right as Trump took office (again). Now, the administration is responding with silence, followed by a spreadsheet.
Trump Targets a Lifeline for LGBTQ+ Youth in Crisis
Let’s be very clear: this isn’t about budget trimming. This is about message-sending. The message? That LGBTQ+ youth don’t matter. That programs designed to reach them specifically aren’t worth preserving. That their pain doesn’t register on the national priority list.
And it’s not just this lifeline. Earlier this month, the Department of Health slashed more than 10,000 public health jobs, including staff focused on HIV/AIDS and infectious disease. The Trump administration isn’t just ignoring queer lives—it’s actively undoing decades of progress that made those lives livable.
See also: HIV Research Defunded by Trump: Scientists Warn of Deadly Consequences
“Suicide Prevention Is About Risk, Not Identity”
Jaymes Black, CEO of The Trevor Project, didn’t sugarcoat it:
“Eliminating this program would put lives at risk.”
And the data backs them up. LGBTQ+ youth are over four times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers. Every 45 seconds, someone tries to end their life. And still, this administration is asking whether it’s worth picking up the phone when they call for help.
The 988 program was implemented with bipartisan support. It wasn’t woke. It wasn’t partisan. It was basic public health. And yet here we are, debating whether children in crisis are politically convenient enough to protect.
See also: Bernie Sanders at Coachella? Yep, That Happened — And He Dragged Trump With Him
We Don’t Have to Agree on Policy. We Just Have to Care if Kids Die.
The Trevor Project, alongside other advocates, is calling on Congress to block the cut. It’s not just about saving a program. It’s about refusing to normalize cruelty as governance.
“We do not have to agree on every policy issue to agree that every young life is worth saving,” Black said.
That should be obvious. That should be the floor. But this administration has made it clear: even the floor is up for negotiation—especially when it’s LGBTQ+ youth standing on it.
Important Notice on Suicide Prevention
If you or someone you know is experiencing a difficult time in the United States, please remember that help is available. There are organizations dedicated to providing immediate support in moments of crisis:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988): Available 24/7 nationwide to provide assistance for emotional distress.
- Crisis Text Line: Text “HELLO” to 741741 for support via text messaging.
- Veterans Crisis Line (988, then press 1): A specialized support line for veterans.
Reaching out can make a big difference. Mental health is important, and there are people ready to listen and offer support.
