In a decision that’s already drawing heavy criticism, the Trump administration is shutting down a key part of the national suicide prevention system that specifically served LGBTQ+ youth. Starting July 17, young callers to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline will no longer have the option to “Press 3” and speak directly with counselors trained to support LGBTQ+ individuals.
Since its launch in 2022, that option has become a vital lifeline for more than 1.3 million LGBTQ+ young people seeking help in moments of distress.
“Press 3” Wasn’t Just a Button—It Was a Safe Space
The “Press 3” option was more than a convenience. For many young people grappling with identity, rejection, and isolation, it was a direct path to someone who understood. Many of the counselors came from LGBTQ+ backgrounds themselves or had specific training in the issues these youth face—things like family rejection, bullying, and gender dysphoria.
It’s hard enough for any young person in crisis to reach out for help. For LGBTQ+ teens, fear of judgment or misunderstanding can make that even harder. The dedicated option helped break down that barrier.
Why It’s Ending
The administration argues that everyone should be treated the same when calling the lifeline, saying specialized services like this one “promote a radical gender ideology.” They’ve decided to streamline the lifeline to serve all callers equally, without carved-out options based on identity.
Critics say this misses the point.
“This isn’t about ideology—it’s about meeting people where they are in a moment of desperation,” said Jaymes Black, CEO of The Trevor Project. “We know what works. We know this saves lives.”
The Emotional Fallout
The news landed particularly hard during Pride Month, when LGBTQ+ visibility and support are celebrated nationwide. To many advocates and young people, the timing felt like a slap in the face.
Senator Tammy Baldwin, the first openly gay U.S. senator, didn’t hold back: “This is cruel. The message it sends to LGBTQ+ kids is: ‘You don’t matter. Your pain doesn’t matter.’”
Mental health experts are also sounding alarms. LGBTQ+ youth, especially transgender teens, face some of the highest suicide rates in the country. Research shows they are four times more likely to attempt suicide than their straight peers. For transgender youth, that number climbs even higher.
“Trust is everything in a crisis,” said Dr. Kristen Choi, a psychiatric nurse and researcher. “Stripping away specialized help will discourage some of the most vulnerable youth from calling at all.”
Bigger Picture: Part of a Broader Shift
This isn’t happening in a vacuum. The decision comes amid a larger effort by the Trump administration to remove LGBTQ+ mentions from federal health programs. Earlier this year, the CDC took down LGBTQ-related health resources from its site. Other agencies have followed suit.
To LGBTQ+ advocates, it’s a worrying trend—a slow erasure of identity from public health systems.
“This is death by a thousand cuts,” said one advocate. “It’s not just about a phone line. It’s about telling these kids that their lives aren’t worth protecting.”
What Happens Now?
The general 988 line will still operate, and organizations like The Trevor Project will continue to offer their own crisis services separately. But losing a dedicated, government-backed option will likely make access harder for some.
Advocates are now urging Congress to step in. Petitions are circulating. Public pressure is mounting. In the meantime, some states are trying to fill the gap—California, for example, has expanded LGBTQ+ youth mental health services under a state initiative.
Still, for many LGBTQ+ teens across the country, especially in rural or unsupportive communities, this hotline was the only place they felt safe.
