Overview

• The Trump administration's draft budget proposes cutting LGBTQ+-specific services on the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, effective October, pending Congressional approval.
• Over 100 House Democrats and several Senate Democrats, joined by some Republicans, have called on HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to reject the plan, citing severe risks to vulnerable youth.
• Since its 2022 launch, the LGBTQ+ subnetwork of the 988 Lifeline has handled nearly 1.3 million crisis contacts, averaging 2,100 daily interactions.
• Advocacy groups like The Trevor Project warn that removing tailored services for LGBTQ+ youth, who face disproportionately high suicide risks, would undermine best practices in suicide prevention.
• HHS has confirmed that all 988 services, including specialized LGBTQ+ support, remain operational as of now, though the proposed cuts remain under consideration.