When the Line Goes Silent: Finding Support After LGBTQ+ Hotline Defunding
On June 17th, the Trump administration announced that they will be cutting funding to the 988 suicide prevention hotline for LGBTQ+ callers. In a recent statement, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) stated "The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline will no longer silo LGB+ youth services” (omitting the T for transgender) “to focus on serving all help seekers….”
In a study from 2021, it was found that LGBTQ+ young people are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers; a survey done by The Trevor Project in 2023 found that 41% of LGBTQ+ young people seriously considered attempting suicide that year, including roughly half of transgender and nonbinary youth.
SAMHSA data also found that over 1.2 million LGBTQ+ young adults call the 988 national suicide hotline between July 2022 - the beginning of the specialized LGBTQ+ hotline - and now. The LGBTQ+ community is at a disproportionate risk of mental illness and suicide, with one person attempted suicide every 45 seconds.
A number of factors play into the importance of a specialized LGBTQ+ hotline. A peer-reviewed study conducted by the Trevor Project, published in the American Journal of Community Psychology, found that LGBTQ+ individuals who experienced four types of minority stress - LGBTQ+-based physical harm, discrimination, housing instability, and change attempts by parents - were 12 times more likely to attempt suicide compared to those who experienced none. A delicate, specialized hand is needed to navigate the complexities of parental rejection or targeted physical harm.
Furthermore, when 60% of LGBTQ+ individuals experience discrimination based on their sexuality or gender identity, many are not willing to reach out to a stranger and run the risk of further harm. The LGBTQ+ hotline provided that safe space without worrying if the person on the other line would turn on you; that comfort and assurance is often needed for somebody to reach out for help. In fact, roughly 80% of the community voiced the importance of an LGBTQ+ option for hotlines.
As Pride Month comes to a close and as the hotline experiences significant defunding, it’s important for the LGBTQ+ community to know that they are not alone, and there are more resources to find the help you need.
Source: The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project is the leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention nonprofit organization for LGBTQ+ young people. Their counselors are available 24/7 through phone call, text, or online chat, and offer full anonymity.
Run by and for the transgender community, Trans Lifeline is a nonprofit organization which offers direct financial and emotional support to transgender people in crisis. They promise full anonymity and no non-consensual active rescue, and you will be connected to a trans/nonbinary peer operator.
With peer support volunteers that are trained and identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, the LGBT National Youth Talkline provides a space for individuals of all ages to talk about sexual orientation or gender identity issues, including problems coming out, bullying, HIV/AIDS anxiety, safe sex information, suicide, and more. They also offer a chat system and a moderated group chat for individuals 19 and younger.
The National Runaway Safeline is a resource for homeless youths - those who lost their homes, were kicked out, or ran away. 16% of LGBTQ+ youths reported running away from home, with more than half stating it was directly because of mistreatment for their sexual orientation or gender identity. 14% reported being kicked out, with 40% stating it was due to their identity. The National Runaway Safeline provides resources to keep you safe and off the streets.
At Perfectly Imperfect Counseling & Coaching, we fight to provide help to those who need it, no matter their sexual orientation or gender identity. As advocates for the LGBTQ+ community, we are here to provide support in any way we can. Reach out if you would like to inquire about our counseling services. If you are in a crisis or thinking of harming yourself or others, the above resources are excellent places to reach out to to receive immediate help.