The recent decision by President Donald Trump’s administration to eliminate the LGBTQ youth option from the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, known as “Press 3,” has raised significant concern among advocates and youth members of the LGBTQ+ community.
The change follows an initiative aimed at curbing suicide rates among LGBTQ+ youth, a demographic already facing alarming mental health challenges.
Abdul Samad, a 16-year-old from the Attic Youth Center in South Philadelphia, expressed deep disappointment over the removal of this crucial resource.
“When I was still finding myself out, I was going through a lot of definite suicide thoughts, and 988 was a huge resource,” Samad shared, underscoring the importance of having supportive services available.
The Trevor Project, a national organization focused on suicide prevention among LGBTQ+ youth, reported that in 2024, 39% of LGBTQ+ young people had seriously considered suicide over a year’s time.
Samad recognized the hotline as a lifeline during times of distress.
“Whenever I felt like no one was there, I was able to talk to someone,” he said.
Last month, the Trump administration ordered the removal of the specific support for LGBTQ youth from the suicide hotline.
Samad described his reaction to the removal as “agitated,” highlighting his personal experience in relying on such resources during difficult moments.
Jasper Liem, executive director of the Attic Youth Center, called the administration’s decision “malicious,” claiming it signals a desire to erase the LGBTQ+ community.
“I think the message being sent is that we’re not here to be accepted,” Liem said.
He emphasized the potential ramifications of this decision on the mental health of LGBTQ+ individuals.
Liem referred to a survey conducted by The Trevor Project, noting a nearly 700% increase in calls to crisis services for LGBTQ+ communities following the 2024 election—a clear indication of heightened need for support.
“I think we’re gonna see even more of an increase of suicidality, of substance use, of other mental health issues,” he warned.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has stated that the removal of the option was due to funding reallocation but assured that support would still be provided to all callers.
However, Liem expressed concern that without the specialized support, LGBTQ+ individuals might be directed to operators who lack understanding of their unique experiences.
Recalling his own experiences, Liem noted the difficulty in connecting with counselors who were not trained to address the needs of LGBTQ+ youth, which often resulted in delays in appropriate care.
Inside the Attic Youth Center’s library, decorated with art from local youth, both Samad and Autumn Getnain, age 17, voiced their disappointment at the recent decision.
“The fact that they’re trying to eliminate the conversation about LGBTQ youth going through mental health challenges is really jarring,” Getnain said, emphasizing the feeling of being silenced.
Getnain criticized the reasoning of budget constraints as a facade for stripping necessary resources.
“Using ‘budgeting’ as an excuse to take away resources from those who really need it is unacceptable,” they argued.
The fear among youth advocates is palpable, as they worry about the long-term impact of losing vital support.
“Once a viable resource is gone, they will feel like they truly have nothing,” Getnain remarked thoughtfully.
Jaymes Black, the CEO of The Trevor Project, commented on the grave implications of withdrawing the hotline option, noting that it had previously saved the lives of more than 1.3 million LGBTQ youth.
Samad expressed skepticism about alternative suicide hotlines, explaining the potential harm from operators who may not fully align with or understand LGBTQ+ identities.
“I find that they’re trying to eradicate us as an existence,” he noted, reflecting his feelings of being marginalized.
“Plain and simple, the Trump administration is saying, ‘We don’t care about you,’” Getnain added.
While frustration with the recent changes lingers, both Getnain and Samad highlighted the supportive environment offered by the Attic Youth Center.
“This is kind of like an in-person hotline in a way,” Samad explained, recognizing the importance of community in these challenging times.
They articulated their concerns about the potential closing of facilities like the Attic Youth Center but vowed to continue fighting for their rights and well-being.
Bryant Christie, who is the director of clinical services and a resident of Philadelphia, mentioned the overwhelming demand for support from youth anxious about the current political climate.
“I think it puts more of a demand on communities,” Christie stated, acknowledging the limited resources available.
He encouraged youth to stay informed and engage with communities that can help them navigate their thoughts and feelings.
“There’s uncertainty over what their future will look like,” he noted, worrying that some youth may retreat from discussing their challenges due to feeling overwhelmed by the news.
Getnain compared the LGBTQ+ community’s resilience to fireflies, emphasizing that visibility doesn’t equate to their existence.
“Even if America is in a state of disarray right now, and we feel like our lives are threatened, we’re still going to be here no matter what,” she concluded, echoing a spirit of perseverance that defines the fight for recognition and support in the LGBTQ+ community.
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