Particle.news
Download on the App Store
9 ARTICLES
·
5h ago

Trump Administration to End LGBTQ+ Youth Option on 988 Lifeline

Advocates warn that removing the specialized 'Press 3' option will leave high-risk queer youth without tailored crisis support starting mid-July.

Crisis Service Coordinator Chris Bright (left) looks at a computer monitor with volunteers at the Trevor Project Call Center in West Hollywood, California in January 2017.
Image
Image
Image

Overview

  • The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration announced that the 988 Lifeline will discontinue its LGBTQ+ youth “Press 3” service on July 17, 2025.
  • The specialized hotline launched in 2022 under federal contract and has handled more than 1.3 million calls and texts from LGBTQ+ young people.
  • The Trevor Project, which staffed about half of those crisis contacts, said it will continue its own 24/7 support services for queer youth.
  • The administration said all callers will still reach skilled, culturally competent counselors through the general 988 line.
  • Trevor Project CEO Jaymes Black called the decision devastating, criticized the removal of the “T” from the service name, and urged Congress to restore the specialized hotline option.