‘Life or death for these kids’: LGBTQ+ advocates react to 988 hotline change

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Just one day after the third anniversary of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline, a crucial option for LGBTQ+ youth has been suspended.

"988 -- it's great for a lot of people, but trans youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers," said Haiden Hopper, communications coordinator for the advocacy group He She Ze and We. "So I feel like they need support more than anything."

Until Thursday, July 17, callers to the national suicide prevention hotline could press “3” to connect with a counselor trained to support LGBTQ+ youth. Now, that option no longer exists.

“If I had had a space where I knew that I could text this number, I feel like I could have figured that [their gender identity] out sooner and maybe saved myself some trauma,” Hopper, who is transgender, said.

Since its launch in 2022, the LGBTQ+ youth program through 988 has served nearly 1.3 million callers, according to federal data. Hopper said eliminating dedicated services for queer youth will likely have devastating consequences.

"Cutting some of these resources is life or death for these kids that have nowhere else to turn," they said.

Hopper said queer youth have unique needs that aren’t always met by general crisis lines.

"It was hard for me to find a therapist that could really speak to my experience," they said. "It's one thing to be affirming, and it's another to kind of know how to assist your patients. "

The decision comes ahead of the Trump administration’s proposed 2026 budget, which included cuts to the 988 lifeline’s LGBTQ+ support services.

"It’s not just about money," Hopper said. "This just feels like -- just a blatant attack on trans youth."

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) said the change is meant to "focus on serving all help seekers, including those previously served through the Press 3 option."

Although the 988 Lifeline remains available for anyone in crisis, those seeking support from counselors specifically trained to help LGBTQ+ youth can reach out to the Trevor Project, which offers 24/7 support.

To utilize the Trevor Project's hotline, you can text "START" to 678-678 or call 1-866-488-7386.