The Trump administration has ordered the closure of the National LGBTQ+ Youth Suicide Lifeline, also known as the “Press 3” option on the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, effective July 17, 2025. This service, which began in 2022, has supported more than 1.3 million LGBTQ+ young people in crisis.
Once the shutdown takes effect, the general 988 lifeline will still operate, but without counselors trained specifically for LGBTQ+ youth issues. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) said this change will “no longer silo” services for LGBTQ+ youth, aiming to provide broad support for all callers.
However, LGBTQ+ advocates have strongly criticized the move. The administration’s announcement notably left out transgender individuals, referring only to “LGB youth,” which sparked further backlash.
The Trevor Project, a key partner in running the lifeline, called the decision “devastating” and “incomprehensible.” The group argued that suicide prevention should not be driven by politics, especially when LGBTQ+ youth already face higher rates of suicide risk.
The shutdown comes as part of broader efforts by the Trump administration to roll back LGBTQ+ protections and diversity initiatives, with officials labeling the service as promoting “radical gender ideology,” a claim firmly rejected by mental health experts.
As July 17 approaches, LGBTQ+ organizations and advocates continue to speak out, warning that removing this dedicated support could put vulnerable lives at greater risk.
