988’s LGBTQ+ hotline to relaunch this year. But the group that helped start it might be excluded
988’s LGBTQ+ Hotline to Relaunch This Year Amid Concerns Over The Trevor Project’s Exclusion
988 s LGBTQ hotline to relaunch – The 988 LGBTQ+ hotline is set to return this year, offering critical mental health support for LGBTQ+ youth. However, the program’s revival may leave The Trevor Project—its founding organization—out of the equation. This decision has raised alarms among advocates, who fear the loss of specialized care that has long been a lifeline for young people in crisis. With Congress allocating $33 million to expand LGBTQ+-focused services, the relaunch underscores the importance of targeted support. Yet, the tightening of eligibility criteria has cast doubt on whether The Trevor Project, which pioneered the initiative, will remain a key player in this vital effort.
Origins and Impact of the 988 LGBTQ+ Hotline
Launched in 2020, the 988 crisis hotline has become a cornerstone of mental health emergency response in the U.S. The LGBTQ+ youth option, which allowed users to press 3 or text “PRIDE,” was a groundbreaking feature. It provided tailored assistance for individuals facing unique challenges related to identity, discrimination, and social isolation. According to data from SAMHSA, the “press 3” option connected over 1.6 million individuals in its initial run. The Trevor Project, which managed the program, handled nearly half of those interactions, highlighting its essential role in addressing the mental health needs of LGBTQ+ youth.
Trump Administration’s Decision to Exclude The Trevor Project
In July 2020, the Trump administration abruptly cut funding for the LGBTQ+ youth option on 988, citing budget constraints. This move left The Trevor Project without the financial support it needed to continue its services. Critics argue that the decision was part of a broader effort to reduce LGBTQ+ advocacy, particularly for transgender and non-binary individuals. Now, as the hotline prepares to relaunch, new rules require crisis centers to be “current and active” members of the 988 network. This has excluded The Trevor Project, despite its proven expertise in suicide prevention and crisis counseling for LGBTQ+ youth.
“The LGBTQ+ community, especially young people, relies on programs like 988 to feel seen and supported,” said Dr. Christine Yu Moutier, chief medical officer for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. “Removing The Trevor Project from the hotline could jeopardize the progress made in addressing their specific mental health needs.” Moutier emphasized that the group’s exclusion risks undermining the hotline’s ability to provide culturally competent care. “Without tailored services, we may miss critical opportunities to connect with those who need it most.”
The Trevor Project, a 30-year-old nonprofit, has long been recognized for its work in LGBTQ+ youth suicide prevention. Its counselors are trained to navigate issues like bullying, gender identity, and sexual orientation, which often contribute to feelings of distress. Jaymes Black, the organization’s CEO, expressed concern over its exclusion from the relaunch. “This development signals a shift away from the specialized care that LGBTQ+ youth deserve,” Black stated. “The 988 LGBTQ+ hotline was a vital tool, and its absence could have lasting consequences.”
With the relaunch of the 988 LGBTQ+ hotline, Vibrant Emotional Health—the nonprofit overseeing the service—has begun recruiting new providers. While six other organizations remain eligible, The Trevor Project’s exclusion has created a gap in the targeted support it offered. Advocates warn that the absence of this expertise may leave LGBTQ+ youth without the same level of understanding and compassion during crises. As the hotline prepares to reopen, the debate over inclusion and exclusion continues, with calls for a return to the original model that prioritized LGBTQ+ youth needs.
