Image courtesy Canva

Last week, the 988 LGBTQ+ crisis support line was shut down following a directive from the Trump Administration. In response, a bipartisan group of federal lawmakers and national mental health advocates condemned the decision and called for it to be reversed immediately. This comes after an earlier appeal to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., urging him to cancel the “ill-advised plan.”

Since its launch in 2022, the LGBTQ+ subline of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has been a vital resource, providing life-saving support to LGBTQ+ youth and adults during mental health crises. The line has handled nearly 1.3 million calls, texts, and chats from individuals seeking help. Its closure comes at a critical time, as nearly 40% of LGBTQ+ youth reported seriously considering suicide last year, according to national surveys.

Mental health experts and civil rights groups, including The Trevor Project—which helped create the dedicated line alongside the federal government—have expressed deep concern. Data from the Department of Health and Human Services shows the subline greatly improved crisis care access for LGBTQ+ individuals, especially youth in underserved communities.