Reject the regime's cruelty: Save LGBTQ+ youth crisis services funded by 988 Lifeline

Trump's proposal to eliminate funding for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline's LGBTQ+ Youth Specialized Services is an unconscionable attack on vulnerable young people. This vital program has provided over 1.2 million LGBTQ+ youth with life-saving crisis services since its launch in 2022. Stripping away these resources will undoubtedly lead to more tragedies in a community where LGBTQ+ young people are over four times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers, with an estimated 1.8 million seriously considering suicide each year. The cold, hard facts are that suicide remains the second leading cause of death for ages 10-14 and third for ages 15-24. Eliminating specialized LGBTQ+ services from the 988 lifeline, which has received over 14.5 million calls, texts and chats since July 2022, will cost lives. Countless LGBTQ+ youth have been saved by having access to culturally competent counselors equipped to respond to their specific needs and experiences. While the administration cites budgetary reasons, what cost can we put on young lives lost to suicide and crisis? Prioritizing austerity over the wellbeing of our most vulnerable citizens is morally bankrupt. I implore you to act swiftly to maintain full funding for these essential LGBTQ+ youth services and prevent a potential public health crisis. The lives of young people across America depend on your moral leadership on this issue.