President Donald Trump has plans to cut suicide prevention and crisis services for LGBTQ+ youth, according to a leaked budget proposal from the White House. The 988 Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline, funded through the Department of Health and Human Services, could end as soon as 1 October if a
President Donald Trump has plans to cut suicide prevention and crisis services for LGBTQ+ youth, according to a leaked budget proposal from the White House.
The 988 Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline, funded through the Department of Health and Human Services, could end as soon as 1 October if approved by Congress.
IYG, an organisation aimed at providing safe spaces and programming for LGBTQ+ youth, has said it is “deeply alarmed”.
Zoe O’Haillin-Berne, IYG’s director of engagement, said the cuts threaten essential support systems for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults who already face higher rates of mental health challenges and suicidal ideation.
“At a time when marginalised youth continue to face overwhelming obstacles, our focus should be on expanding access to care and reinforcing the support systems that serve as lifelines — not dismantling them,” O’Haillin-Berne said. “IYG remains steadfast in its commitment to uplifting and advocating for LGBTQ+ young people, and we will continue working to ensure they have the support and resources they deserve.”
The Trevor Project, a charity focused on suicide prevention efforts among LGBTQ+ youth, stated in a news release the programme has helped more than 1.2 million people in crisis since it was implemented in 2022.
“We urge the Administration to maintain its long-standing commitment to ending suicide among high-risk populations, especially our nation’s young people,” The Trevor Project CEO Jaymes Black stated. “We urge Congress to defend its establishment of this data-based, bipartisan programme to allow its life-saving services to continue for generations to come. We do not have to agree on every policy issue to agree that every young life is worth saving.”
A survey by The Trevor Project has shown that 46% of transgender and nonbinary young people seriously considered suicide in the last year. In 2024, 13% of transgender young people attempted suicide.
