In a move sparking outrage and deep concern among mental health advocates and LGBTQ+ communities across the country, the Trump administration has announced plans to shut down the National LGBTQ+ Youth Suicide Lifeline on July 17, 2025.
The lifeline, a critical resource that has served thousands of vulnerable LGBTQ+ youth facing mental health crises, has provided 24/7 support, counseling, and life-saving intervention for over a decade. Its closure, advocates warn, could leave countless young people without a trusted place to turn during their darkest moments.
A Lifeline Cut Off
The administration has cited “budgetary reallocations and program redundancies” as the reason for ending federal support of the service. However, LGBTQ+ rights groups and mental health professionals say the move is part of a wider pattern of eliminating protections and support systems for queer youth.
“This isn’t just a budget cut — it’s a message,” said Dr. Amina Torres, director of a New York-based LGBTQ+ mental health initiative. “At a time when LGBTQ+ youth are experiencing record levels of depression, bullying, and suicide risk, the federal government is telling them they don’t matter.”
A Dangerous Time for Vulnerable Youth
According to The Trevor Project, LGBTQ+ youth are four times more likely to attempt suicide than their straight, cisgender peers. In 2024 alone, the now-threatened lifeline responded to over 150,000 calls, texts, and chats from young people in crisis — many of them facing homelessness, family rejection, or self-harm.
With its shutdown looming, mental health experts warn of a dangerous gap in resources.
“This is a literal lifeline for some kids,” said trauma counselor Malik Osei. “Removing it without a direct and inclusive replacement will cost lives.”
National Backlash and Calls to Action
LGBTQ+ advocates, youth organizations, and public health leaders have swiftly condemned the decision. A growing coalition of nonprofits and lawmakers is now urging Congress to intervene and restore funding, while a Change.org petition calling for the lifeline’s continuation has gained over 1.5 million signatures in less than 48 hours.
Celebrity figures, including Elliot Page, Gabrielle Union, and Lil Nas X, have also taken to social media to denounce the move and rally support under the hashtag #SaveLGBTQLives.
What Comes Next?
In response to the backlash, a senior administration official stated that the government is “exploring other ways to support youth mental health more broadly,” but did not commit to any LGBTQ+-specific alternative.
Mental health organizations are now scrambling to raise emergency funds and build temporary helplines to fill the gap.
“We won’t let them disappear into silence,” said Samira Nwosu, a volunteer crisis responder. “We’ll fight for every call, every life, every voice.”
The lifeline is still operational until July 17. Young people in need of immediate support can reach out by calling the current number or contacting local crisis services.
As the countdown begins, advocates warn that the consequences of this decision will be measured not just in policy, but in lives.
Written By Joe Brens
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